The left side captures the dramatic Boston Harbor and skyline departure, and along the flight path westward at cruise altitude also keeps Lake Erie's northern shoreline and parts of upstate New York's lake country in view. The right side has the better Detroit arrival, but the Boston departure on the left is the more visually rewarding moment of the flight.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly due west along the 42nd parallel, crossing central Massachusetts, then the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, the Hudson Valley in New York, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York visible as elongated north-south water bodies, the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the distance to the north, then over northern Ohio before descending into the Detroit area. Lake Erie's northern shoreline may be faintly visible to the left on clear days near the Ohio-Michigan border.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpeg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Detroit. The left side captures the dramatic Boston Harbor and skyline departure, and along the flight path westward at cruise altitude also keeps Lake Erie's northern shoreline and parts of upstate New York's lake country in view. The right side has the better Detroit arrival, but the Boston departure on the left is the more visually rewarding moment of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Logan's most common departure runway is 22L/22R heading southwest, which puts the left side facing southeast over Boston Harbor and the Atlantic coastline. You get a clear view of the harbor islands, the downtown Boston skyline, and the South Boston waterfront as the aircraft banks westward toward Detroit. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor and its islands, downtown Boston skyline (including the Prudential and Hancock towers), South Boston waterfront, Massachusetts Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Detroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 33 or 15. A right-side seat on approach from the east gives you a view over the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the downtown Detroit skyline as you descend over the east side neighborhoods. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Windsor Ontario waterfront, downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, east Detroit residential grid.
How long is the flight from Boston to Detroit?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Detroit City (DET) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Boston to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly due west along the 42nd parallel, crossing central Massachusetts, then the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, the Hudson Valley in New York, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York visible as elongated north-south water bodies, the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the distance to the north, then over northern Ohio before descending into the Detroit area. Lake Erie's northern shoreline may be faintly visible to the left on clear days near the Ohio-Michigan border.