While takeoff offers Great Lakes views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and geographically distinctive scenery. The Mississippi River's meanders and New Orleans' crescent-city geography are iconic and visually compelling, making the left side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown DET to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to New Orleans is 947 miles (1,525 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Tennessee River valley, Mississippi River (northern section near Memphis area), transition from Great Lakes drainage basin to Mississippi River system, gradual shift from temperate deciduous forest to subtropical landscape
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the broader Great Lakes system as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Coleman Young International. The water features are extensive and visually distinctive during initial climb.
Landing at MSY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and the New Orleans urban area during descent. The river's serpentine pattern is one of the most recognizable geographic features on this approach, and the city's location within the river crescent is visually striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to New Orleans. While takeoff offers Great Lakes views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and geographically distinctive scenery. The Mississippi River's meanders and New Orleans' crescent-city geography are iconic and visually compelling, making the left side the better overall choice for this route.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the broader Great Lakes system as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Coleman Young International. The water features are extensive and visually distinctive during initial climb. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie (distant), downtown Detroit skyline.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and the New Orleans urban area during descent. The river's serpentine pattern is one of the most recognizable geographic features on this approach, and the city's location within the river crescent is visually striking. Notable sights include: Mississippi River meanders, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans urban area, Gulf of Mexico (distant).
How long is the flight from Detroit to New Orleans?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 947 miles (1,525 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Tennessee River valley, Mississippi River (northern section near Memphis area), transition from Great Lakes drainage basin to Mississippi River system, gradual shift from temperate deciduous forest to subtropical landscape