Right-side seats capture the most distinctive water features on both ends of the flight: the Detroit River and Great Lakes system on departure, and Florida's lake chain on arrival. The flight path itself crosses relatively featureless terrain in between.
Flown DET to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Orlando is 971 miles (1,562 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the Appalachian foothills of Kentucky and Tennessee (visible as rolling terrain rather than dramatic peaks), the Cumberland Plateau region, and transitions into the flatter terrain of Georgia and northern Florida. The Ohio River valley is crossed during the southern portion of the flight but is typically too far below to distinguish clearly at cruise altitude. No major mountain ranges are directly on this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTDetroit City Airport typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors east). Right-side seats show the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and Lake St. Clair opening up immediately after climb-out. Left side faces inland toward the city.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTMCO typically lands westbound (Runway 09L/27R or 09R/27L). Right-side seats during descent show the chain of lakes south and east of Orlando—Lake Apopka, Lake Eustis, and smaller lakes—which are visually distinctive. Left side shows inland central Florida terrain with less dramatic features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Orlando. Right-side seats capture the most distinctive water features on both ends of the flight: the Detroit River and Great Lakes system on departure, and Florida's lake chain on arrival. The flight path itself crosses relatively featureless terrain in between.
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 09/27 favors east). Right-side seats show the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and Lake St. Clair opening up immediately after climb-out. Left side faces inland toward the city. Notable sights include: Detroit River (directly below during initial climb), Windsor skyline across the Canadian border, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Belle Isle in the river.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. MCO typically lands westbound (Runway 09L/27R or 09R/27L). Right-side seats during descent show the chain of lakes south and east of Orlando—Lake Apopka, Lake Eustis, and smaller lakes—which are visually distinctive. Left side shows inland central Florida terrain with less dramatic features. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (largest lake west of Orlando), smaller lakes of the Harris Chain, the Florida landscape transition from scrub to developed areas, Orlando sprawl approaching.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Orlando?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 971 miles (1,562 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Appalachian foothills of Kentucky and Tennessee (visible as rolling terrain rather than dramatic peaks), the Cumberland Plateau region, and transitions into the flatter terrain of Georgia and northern Florida. The Ohio River valley is crossed during the southern portion of the flight but is typically too far below to distinguish clearly at cruise altitude. No major mountain ranges are directly on this route.