The right (north) side offers slightly more visual interest throughout the flight — Adirondack foothills at departure and Lake St. Clair with the Detroit skyline on arrival — while the left side stays largely flat and featureless.
Flown ALB to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albany to Detroit is 488 miles (785 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Central New York's Finger Lakes region and the southern shore of Lake Ontario are visible in the distance during cruise, followed by the flat farmland of western New York and northern Ohio as the route continues into Michigan.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ALB
RIGHTClimbing west out of Albany, the right side faces north toward the foothills of the Adirondacks and the Mohawk Valley, giving some relief and texture. The left side only shows the flatter, less distinct Catskill foothills fading into haze.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTOn approach into Detroit from the east, the northern side offers views of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River corridor, along with glimpses of the downtown Detroit skyline before the turn to final. The south side mostly shows flat suburban grids with little variation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albany International (ALB) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albany to Detroit. The right (north) side offers slightly more visual interest throughout the flight — Adirondack foothills at departure and Lake St. Clair with the Detroit skyline on arrival — while the left side stays largely flat and featureless.
What can I see during takeoff from Albany International in Albany?
During takeoff from Albany International (ALB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing west out of Albany, the right side faces north toward the foothills of the Adirondacks and the Mohawk Valley, giving some relief and texture. The left side only shows the flatter, less distinct Catskill foothills fading into haze. Notable sights include: Adirondack foothills, Mohawk River valley, Helderberg Escarpment.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Detroit from the east, the northern side offers views of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River corridor, along with glimpses of the downtown Detroit skyline before the turn to final. The south side mostly shows flat suburban grids with little variation. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Belle Isle.
How long is the flight from Albany to Detroit?
The flight from Albany International (ALB) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 488 miles (785 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albany to Detroit flight path pass over?
Central New York's Finger Lakes region and the southern shore of Lake Ontario are visible in the distance during cruise, followed by the flat farmland of western New York and northern Ohio as the route continues into Michigan.