Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: Appalachian foothills during departure and the approach to the Detroit River valley during landing. The northbound flight path favors right-side views of terrain changes.
Flown BHM to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Detroit is 644 miles (1,037 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The flight crosses central Tennessee and Kentucky, passing east of Nashville and west of the Cumberland Plateau. Notable midpoint features include the Tennessee River valley (visible as a meandering waterway with forested banks), the rolling terrain of middle Tennessee transitioning to Kentucky's bluegrass region, and scattered lakes and reservoirs. The Ohio River forms the Kentucky-Ohio border and may be visible in the northern portion of the flight. The landscape gradually transitions from Appalachian foothills to flatter Midwestern terrain as the aircraft approaches Michigan.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Birmingham's urban sprawl and the Appalachian foothills to the northeast. The climb-out heads north, so right-side passengers see the terrain rising gradually toward the mountains.
Landing at DET
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario as the aircraft descends into Coleman Young International (Detroit City Airport). The approach vector brings the river and international border into clear view on the left side during final descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham International (BHM) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Detroit. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: Appalachian foothills during departure and the approach to the Detroit River valley during landing. The northbound flight path favors right-side views of terrain changes.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham International in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Birmingham's urban sprawl and the Appalachian foothills to the northeast. The climb-out heads north, so right-side passengers see the terrain rising gradually toward the mountains. Notable sights include: Birmingham city grid, Red Mountain (local ridge), Appalachian foothills to the north, Cahaba River valley.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario as the aircraft descends into Coleman Young International (Detroit City Airport). The approach vector brings the river and international border into clear view on the left side during final descent. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Windsor Ontario waterfront, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, downtown Detroit skyline.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Detroit?
The flight from Birmingham International (BHM) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 644 miles (1,037 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight crosses central Tennessee and Kentucky, passing east of Nashville and west of the Cumberland Plateau. Notable midpoint features include the Tennessee River valley (visible as a meandering waterway with forested banks), the rolling terrain of middle Tennessee transitioning to Kentucky's bluegrass region, and scattered lakes and reservoirs. The Ohio River forms the Kentucky-Ohio border and may be visible in the northern portion of the flight. The landscape gradually transitions from Appalachian foothills to flatter Midwestern terrain as the aircraft approaches Michigan.