Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Rochester. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach provides superior views of Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay—the most distinctive geographic features of the Rochester region. The left side captures the arrival experience over water and the Genesee River valley, making it the better overall choice for this eastbound route.

During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Detroit City Airport (Coleman Young International) typically departs eastbound on Runway 3 or 9. Right-side seats face north toward Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system, offering immediate views of the water infrastructure and the city's waterfront geography as you climb out. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario (across the border), Downtown Detroit skyline.

When landing at Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Rochester International (ROC) typically lands on Runway 4 or 22 depending on wind. Approaching from the west, left-side seats provide views of the Genesee River valley, Irondequoit Bay, and Lake Ontario's southern shoreline—the primary geographic features defining Rochester's location. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, Genesee River valley, Rochester urban area.

The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Greater Rochester International (ROC) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses central Michigan and western New York. Notable features include the Michigan-Ontario border region, the northern shore of Lake Erie (visible to the south during cruise), and the transition from the Great Lakes basin into the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Genesee River valley becomes visible during descent into Rochester.