The left side wins overall for the dramatic Detroit River and city skyline at departure. Mid-flight both sides offer similar Great Plains and Mojave desert scenery, but the takeoff view from the left is the most visually distinctive moment of the journey.
Flown DET to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Las Vegas is 1,763 miles (2,837 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses southern Lake Michigan briefly, then tracks over Illinois and Missouri farmland, the flat agricultural grid of Kansas and Oklahoma, the Texas panhandle, New Mexico high desert and the Sangre de Cristo foothills in the distance, then the Colorado Plateau and Mojave Desert before descending into the Las Vegas basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
LEFTDetroit City Airport typically departs runway 15 heading southeast, then aircraft turn westbound. The left side captures the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the downtown Detroit skyline as you bank west. The right side faces away from the city toward suburban sprawl.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTLas Vegas typically lands on runways 26L or 26R heading west, meaning the approach comes from the east over the valley. The right side faces south toward the Strip and downtown Las Vegas laid out clearly below, while the left side looks north toward less developed desert.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Las Vegas. The left side wins overall for the dramatic Detroit River and city skyline at departure. Mid-flight both sides offer similar Great Plains and Mojave desert scenery, but the takeoff view from the left is the most visually distinctive moment of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Detroit City Airport typically departs runway 15 heading southeast, then aircraft turn westbound. The left side captures the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the downtown Detroit skyline as you bank west. The right side faces away from the city toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Windsor Ontario, Downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, I-75 corridor cutting through the urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Las Vegas typically lands on runways 26L or 26R heading west, meaning the approach comes from the east over the valley. The right side faces south toward the Strip and downtown Las Vegas laid out clearly below, while the left side looks north toward less developed desert. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip hotels and casinos, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead to the southeast, Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment to the west, McCarran Airport runways and surrounding desert basin.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Las Vegas?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,763 miles (2,837 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The route crosses southern Lake Michigan briefly, then tracks over Illinois and Missouri farmland, the flat agricultural grid of Kansas and Oklahoma, the Texas panhandle, New Mexico high desert and the Sangre de Cristo foothills in the distance, then the Colorado Plateau and Mojave Desert before descending into the Las Vegas basin