The left side captures the Washington DC monuments during departure and the Detroit River and skyline during arrival, giving a more visually engaging bookend to an otherwise flat midwestern cruise.
Flown DCA to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Detroit is 405 miles (651 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines of western Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, followed by the flat farmland of eastern Ohio
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTDeparting DCA to the north, the aircraft banks west toward Detroit, giving left-side passengers a good look at the Potomac River, the National Mall monuments, and the Washington skyline before the turn. The right side mostly shows the flatter Maryland suburbs.
Landing at DTW
LEFTOn approach to DTW's runway 22 complex from the northeast, left-side passengers get a clear view of the Detroit River, the Detroit skyline including the Renaissance Center towers, and Lake St. Clair before the turn onto final. The right side faces mostly flat farmland with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Detroit. The left side captures the Washington DC monuments during departure and the Detroit River and skyline during arrival, giving a more visually engaging bookend to an otherwise flat midwestern cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DCA to the north, the aircraft banks west toward Detroit, giving left-side passengers a good look at the Potomac River, the National Mall monuments, and the Washington skyline before the turn. The right side mostly shows the flatter Maryland suburbs. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and Capitol dome, Georgetown waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to DTW's runway 22 complex from the northeast, left-side passengers get a clear view of the Detroit River, the Detroit skyline including the Renaissance Center towers, and Lake St. Clair before the turn onto final. The right side faces mostly flat farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Detroit skyline and Renaissance Center, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair.
How long is the flight from Washington to Detroit?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 405 miles (651 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Detroit flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines of western Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, followed by the flat farmland of eastern Ohio