While takeoff offers interesting New England geography, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the metropolitan skyline. The right side captures these features better on descent.
Flown BDL to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Windsor Locks to Detroit is 547 miles (880 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
New York State landscape including the Hudson River valley (visible during westbound climb), Finger Lakes region (if flight path passes south of Syracuse), Lake Erie's eastern shore (visible during descent into Michigan), and the transition from Appalachian foothills in New York to the flat glacial plains of Michigan and Ohio.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BDL
LEFTClimbing northwest from BDL, the left side offers views of the Connecticut River valley and the transition from coastal Connecticut into central New England. The right side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTOn approach to DTW from the east, the right side captures views of the Detroit metropolitan area, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair. The left side faces inland Michigan farmland with fewer distinctive urban or water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bradley International (BDL) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Windsor Locks to Detroit. While takeoff offers interesting New England geography, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the metropolitan skyline. The right side captures these features better on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
During takeoff from Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing northwest from BDL, the left side offers views of the Connecticut River valley and the transition from coastal Connecticut into central New England. The right side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Connecticut River (flowing south below the airport), Hartford skyline to the southwest, Metacomet Ridge (traprock ridgeline visible as a linear feature running north-south in the middle distance).
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 to DTW from the east, the right side captures views of the Detroit metropolitan area, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair. The left side faces inland Michigan farmland with fewer distinctive urban or water features. Notable sights include: Detroit River (narrow waterway separating Detroit from Windsor, Ontario), Lake St. Clair (large shallow lake northeast of Detroit), Detroit downtown skyline, suburban sprawl of the Detroit metro area.
How long is the flight from Windsor Locks to Detroit?
The flight from Bradley International (BDL) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 547 miles (880 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Windsor Locks to Detroit flight path pass over?
New York State landscape including the Hudson River valley (visible during westbound climb), Finger Lakes region (if flight path passes south of Syracuse), Lake Erie's eastern shore (visible during descent into Michigan), and the transition from Appalachian foothills in New York to the flat glacial plains of Michigan and Ohio.