MSP to DEN: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Minneapolis (MSP) to Denver (DEN) is a 1,092 km (679 mi), roughly 1h 47m westbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime MSP to DEN departures the sun favors the left side — sit on the right (a window on the right) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Left | Left | Right |
| June solstice | Left | Left | Right |
| September equinox | Left | Left | Right |
| December solstice | Left | Left | Night |
What you’ll see on this flight
Views do not decide this route. The shade side is the right side, so that is the safer pick if you want the more comfortable window.
This is a shade-first route. Views do not settle it, so sit on the right for the better light balance and the cleaner chance of city views on departure and arrival.
Takeoff
On climb-out, Minneapolis and Saint Paul sit nearly under the right side, depending on the runway in use. It is a quick city glimpse, then you are over open country.
Landing
On descent into Denver, the right side gets Denver about 30 km out, depending on the runway in use. The left side gets Aurora closer in, so both sides have something to watch near landing.
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 MSP to DEN?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the left side of the aircraft, so the right side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose the highest window letter (F on narrowbodies, K on many widebodies).
Which side has the sunset views on MSP to DEN flights?
For sunset views, flip the advice: on evening departures the sun sits on the right side of this route, so that is the side with the show.
How long is the flight from MSP to DEN?
The great-circle distance is 1,092 km (679 mi), which works out to roughly 1h 47m in the air on this westbound 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 should I sit on for MSP to DEN?
Pick the right side for the shade advantage. This route does not have a strong views winner.
What can I see after takeoff and before landing on MSP to DEN?
You may catch Minneapolis and Saint Paul on the right during climb, then Denver on the right and Aurora on the left near arrival.