Detroit to New York flight pathDETJFK

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 35m
Distance493
Heading101° → 107°

Detroit to New York is 493 miles (793 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.

Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 2.5 left·★ 2.0 right

While takeoff offers a nice glimpse of Detroit's skyline and riverfront, the JFK approach delivers a longer, more dramatic sequence over Jamaica Bay with the Manhattan skyline and Atlantic coastline in view, giving the left side the edge for this short flight.

Takeoff · DETRIGHTDetroit River, Belle Isle Park, Renaissance Center skyline
Landing · JFKLEFTManhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Rockaway Peninsula

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Lake Erie's eastern shoreline near Erie, Pennsylvania, the forested ridges of the Allegheny Plateau, and the Susquehanna River valley in central New York State

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from DET

RIGHT

Departing DET to the southeast, the right side offers a brief but clear view of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park, and the downtown Detroit skyline including the Renaissance Center before the aircraft turns east over flat farmland toward Lake Erie.

Detroit RiverBelle Isle ParkRenaissance Center skylineWindsor
Aerial window seat view during landing at New York (left side) — Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Rockaway Peninsula, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

Landing at JFK

LEFT

On the approach into JFK from the west, arrivals often swing over Jamaica Bay for the Canarsie approach, putting the Manhattan skyline, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and the Rockaway Peninsula's Atlantic shoreline on the left side of the aircraft during final descent.

Manhattan skylineJamaica Bay wetlandsRockaway PeninsulaVerrazzano-Narrows Bridge

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to New York. While takeoff offers a nice glimpse of Detroit's skyline and riverfront, the JFK approach delivers a longer, more dramatic sequence over Jamaica Bay with the Manhattan skyline and Atlantic coastline in view, giving the left side the edge for this short 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. Departing DET to the southeast, the right side offers a brief but clear view of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park, and the downtown Detroit skyline including the Renaissance Center before the aircraft turns east over flat farmland toward Lake Erie. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Belle Isle Park, Renaissance Center skyline, Windsor, Ontario waterfront.

What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?

When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into JFK from the west, arrivals often swing over Jamaica Bay for the Canarsie approach, putting the Manhattan skyline, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and the Rockaway Peninsula's Atlantic shoreline on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Rockaway Peninsula, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

How long is the flight from Detroit to New York?

The flight from Detroit City (DET) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 493 miles (793 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Detroit to New York flight path pass over?

Lake Erie's eastern shoreline near Erie, Pennsylvania, the forested ridges of the Allegheny Plateau, and the Susquehanna River valley in central New York State