The right side wins narrowly by combining a brief but genuine Rocky Mountain view on departure with the Detroit River, Windsor skyline, and Lake Erie shoreline on arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains and farmland for the entire flight.
Flown DEN to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Detroit is 1,120 miles (1,802 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
High plains of eastern Colorado and Nebraska, the Missouri River near the Iowa border, and the flat farmland of Illinois and Indiana beneath the cruise track
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDEN's prevailing south-facing departures mean the aircraft climbs out toward the south before turning east, giving right-side passengers a last glimpse of the Front Range foothills and the abrupt line where the Rockies meet the plains. Left-side passengers mainly see Denver's northern suburbs and flat prairie.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTDepending on wind, DTW arrivals from the west often curve south of the airport before turning onto final for the 22 or 04 runways, giving right-side views over the Detroit River, Lake Erie's western basin, and the Detroit-Windsor urban waterfront. Left-side views are dominated by flat farmland with no comparable landmark.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Detroit. The right side wins narrowly by combining a brief but genuine Rocky Mountain view on departure with the Detroit River, Windsor skyline, and Lake Erie shoreline on arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains and farmland for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. DEN's prevailing south-facing departures mean the aircraft climbs out toward the south before turning east, giving right-side passengers a last glimpse of the Front Range foothills and the abrupt line where the Rockies meet the plains. Left-side passengers mainly see Denver's northern suburbs and flat prairie. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountain foothills skyline, Denver suburban grid, high plains horizon.
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. Depending on wind, DTW arrivals from the west often curve south of the airport before turning onto final for the 22 or 04 runways, giving right-side views over the Detroit River, Lake Erie's western basin, and the Detroit-Windsor urban waterfront. Left-side views are dominated by flat farmland with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake Erie western shoreline, Detroit-Windsor skyline, Downriver Detroit industrial corridor.
How long is the flight from Denver to Detroit?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,120 miles (1,802 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Detroit flight path pass over?
High plains of eastern Colorado and Nebraska, the Missouri River near the Iowa border, and the flat farmland of Illinois and Indiana beneath the cruise track