The right side wins overall because the cruise phase traces a great circle over Arctic Canada, the Alaska Range, the Bering Sea, and the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, all visible to the north as the plane flies generally westward — dramatic terrain compared to the largely featureless Pacific Ocean visible on the left for most of the flight.
Flown DET to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Tokyo is 6,411 miles (10,318 km), a flight of about 13 hours 45 minutes.
Alaska Range foothills, Bering Sea and Aleutian chain, Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic ridgeline, Sea of Okhotsk coastline
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTAs the aircraft lifts off from Detroit City Airport and banks northwest to begin the polar-ish great circle route, the Detroit River, the downtown Detroit skyline, and the Ambassador Bridge fall into view on the right side before the plane climbs toward Canadian airspace.
Landing at HND
RIGHTOn the typical south-wind approach into Haneda, aircraft descend southward over Tokyo Bay before turning onto final for runway 34L/34R, putting the Tokyo city skyline and, on clear days, distant Mount Fuji on the right side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Tokyo. The right side wins overall because the cruise phase traces a great circle over Arctic Canada, the Alaska Range, the Bering Sea, and the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, all visible to the north as the plane flies generally westward — dramatic terrain compared to the largely featureless Pacific Ocean visible on the left for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft lifts off from Detroit City Airport and banks northwest to begin the polar-ish great circle route, the Detroit River, the downtown Detroit skyline, and the Ambassador Bridge fall into view on the right side before the plane climbs toward Canadian airspace. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Ambassador Bridge, Lake St. Clair.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical south-wind approach into Haneda, aircraft descend southward over Tokyo Bay before turning onto final for runway 34L/34R, putting the Tokyo city skyline and, on clear days, distant Mount Fuji on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo city skyline (Odaiba, Rainbow Bridge), Mount Fuji (distant), Haneda's runway complex jutting into the bay.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Tokyo?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 13 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,411 miles (10,318 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Alaska Range foothills, Bering Sea and Aleutian chain, Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic ridgeline, Sea of Okhotsk coastline