Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to New York. While takeoff favors the right for Detroit River views, the landing approach to La Guardia on the left side offers more dramatic and sustained geography—the East River, Roosevelt Island, and Manhattan skyline provide superior visual interest for the majority of the descent and final approach.

During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Detroit City Airport typically departs eastbound (Runway 9), and right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the early climb-out over Lake St. Clair. Left seats face inland toward the city and suburbs with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Detroit River (immediate foreground), Windsor skyline across the international border, Lake St. Clair (visible as you climb), Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit to Canada.

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. La Guardia uses Runway 4 (northeast approach) or Runway 22 (southwest approach) depending on wind. For the more common northeast approach, left-side seats provide excellent views of the East River, Manhattan's east side, and the approach path over Queens. The descent offers clear sightlines to the Queensboro Bridge, Roosevelt Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Notable sights include: East River (defining geographic feature), Roosevelt Island (distinctive narrow island in river), Queensboro Bridge (iconic steel structure), Manhattan's east side skyline.

The flight from Detroit City (DET) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses Lake Erie (visible as a large water body if flying at lower altitudes during climb or descent), then transitions over Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Appalachian foothills become visible in the distance as you approach New York airspace. The Hudson River Valley appears as you descend into the New York area, with the river visible running north-south on the left side during the final approach corridor.