While takeoff favors the right for Detroit River views, the landing approach to Le Bourget on the left side provides superior views of the Seine, Paris city center, and the approach corridor. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown DET to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Paris is 3,926 miles (6,319 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no major visible landmarks for roughly 6 hours. The aircraft will pass south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude). Over the Atlantic, passengers may see occasional cloud formations and, in clear conditions, the curvature of the horizon. As the aircraft approaches European airspace, the Irish coast becomes visible, followed by the Welsh and English coastlines. The flight then crosses the English Channel and enters French airspace, with the Normandy coast visible before the final approach to Le Bourget north of Paris.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTDetroit City Airport typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the water, and Lake St. Clair to the northeast as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward the industrial areas west of the airport with less distinctive geography.
Landing at LBG
LEFTLe Bourget typically uses runway 26 (westbound approach) or 08 (eastbound approach). Left-side seats on approach to runway 26 provide views of the Seine River valley, Paris city center with recognizable landmarks, and the surrounding Île-de-France countryside. Right seats face north toward less distinctive suburban areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Paris. While takeoff favors the right for Detroit River views, the landing approach to Le Bourget on the left side provides superior views of the Seine, Paris city center, and the approach corridor. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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. Detroit City Airport typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the water, and Lake St. Clair to the northeast as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward the industrial areas west of the airport with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Detroit River (immediate foreground), Windsor Ontario skyline across the water, Lake St. Clair (northeast), Belle Isle in the Detroit River.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Le Bourget typically uses runway 26 (westbound approach) or 08 (eastbound approach). Left-side seats on approach to runway 26 provide views of the Seine River valley, Paris city center with recognizable landmarks, and the surrounding Île-de-France countryside. Right seats face north toward less distinctive suburban areas. Notable sights include: Seine River (winding through the frame), Paris city center with visible building density, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Sacré-Cœur basilica dome (small but visible on clear days).
How long is the flight from Detroit to Paris?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,926 miles (6,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no major visible landmarks for roughly 6 hours. The aircraft will pass south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude). Over the Atlantic, passengers may see occasional cloud formations and, in clear conditions, the curvature of the horizon. As the aircraft approaches European airspace, the Irish coast becomes visible, followed by the Welsh and English coastlines. The flight then crosses the English Channel and enters French airspace, with the Normandy coast visible before the final approach to Le Bourget north of Paris.