Right-side seats win both segments—Detroit River departure views and Phoenix desert-to-urban transition on arrival. The route itself (southwest across the Great Lakes, then over the Great Plains and into Arizona) offers more dramatic geography on the right side during both critical flight phases.
Flown DET to LUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Phoenix is 1,703 miles (2,740 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses Lake Michigan's eastern shore, then traverses the Great Plains of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. The Mississippi River valley is visible mid-flight. As you approach Arizona, the Rocky Mountain foothills appear on the left (north) around New Mexico, while the Sonoran Desert dominates the right (south) approach into Phoenix.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTDetroit City Airport typically departs eastbound (Runway 9) or westbound (Runway 27). Westbound departures favor right-side views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario across the water. Right seats capture the immediate urban-water interface as you climb out over the strait.
Landing at LUF
RIGHTLuke AFB is located northwest of Phoenix. Typical approach vectors bring aircraft from the east or northeast. Right-side seats on descent into Phoenix capture the dramatic transition from the Sonoran Desert to the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area, with the White Tank Mountains visible to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Luke Afb (LUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Phoenix. Right-side seats win both segments—Detroit River departure views and Phoenix desert-to-urban transition on arrival. The route itself (southwest across the Great Lakes, then over the Great Plains and into Arizona) offers more dramatic geography on the right side during both critical flight phases.
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 eastbound (Runway 9) or westbound (Runway 27). Westbound departures favor right-side views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario across the water. Right seats capture the immediate urban-water interface as you climb out over the strait. Notable sights include: Detroit River (immediate foreground), Windsor skyline across the water to the north, Lake St. Clair appearing as you gain altitude to the northeast, Belle Isle in the river below.
What can I see when landing at Luke Afb in Phoenix?
When landing at Luke Afb (LUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Luke AFB is located northwest of Phoenix. Typical approach vectors bring aircraft from the east or northeast. Right-side seats on descent into Phoenix capture the dramatic transition from the Sonoran Desert to the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area, with the White Tank Mountains visible to the west. Notable sights include: White Tank Mountains (western horizon), Phoenix metropolitan sprawl filling the valley floor, Lake Pleasant to the north appearing as a blue reservoir, the Salt River valley defining the terrain.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Phoenix?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Luke Afb (LUF) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,703 miles (2,740 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Lake Michigan's eastern shore, then traverses the Great Plains of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. The Mississippi River valley is visible mid-flight. As you approach Arizona, the Rocky Mountain foothills appear on the left (north) around New Mexico, while the Sonoran Desert dominates the right (south) approach into Phoenix.