DEN to MSP: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Denver (DEN) to Minneapolis (MSP) is a 1,092 km (679 mi), roughly 1h 47m eastbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime DEN to MSP departures the sun favors the right side — sit on the left (an A seat) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Right | Right | Left |
| June solstice | Right | Right | Left |
| September equinox | Right | Right | Left |
| December solstice | Right | Right | Night |
What you’ll see on this flight
Views do not decide this route, so go with the shade side.
This route is not a side-pick for the view. The window choice is mostly about shade, not scenery, with only city departures and arrival traffic to watch.
Takeoff
On departure from Denver, depending on the runway in use, you may see Denver off the left side as you climb. Aurora can sit off the right side at the same time, so both windows have something to notice early.
Landing
Near landing, depending on the runway in use, Minneapolis and Saint Paul come in on the left about two hours into the flight. They are nearly under you on descent, so the view is brief and steep rather than wide and sweeping.
Sides and timings are computed from this route’s geometry. What you actually see depends on weather, air-traffic routing, and the runway in use on the day.
Frequently asked
Which side of the plane avoids the sun from DEN to MSP?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the right side of the aircraft, so the left side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose an A seat.
Which side has the sunset views on DEN to MSP flights?
For sunset views, flip the advice: on evening departures the sun sits on the left side of this route, so that is the side with the show.
How long is the flight from DEN to MSP?
The great-circle distance is 1,092 km (679 mi), which works out to roughly 1h 47m in the air on this eastbound routing. Winds and routing move the real block time around that estimate.
Does the date or departure time change the answer?
Yes — that is why the table shows both. The sun's path shifts with the season, and a morning departure can put the glare on the opposite side compared to an evening one. For a specific flight, the calculator samples the sun along the whole route for your exact date and time.
Which side has the better views on DEN to MSP?
Neither side clearly wins. The route is view-neutral, so shade is the better way to choose.
What can I see near takeoff and landing on DEN to MSP?
Near takeoff, Denver can be off the left and Aurora off the right, depending on the runway in use. Near landing, Minneapolis and Saint Paul sit on the left as you come down.