DTW

Best window seat at Detroit Metro Wayne Co

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario

LandingLEFT

Detroit skyline with the Renaissance Center towers, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge

🛫 Taking Off from Detroit (DTW)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 22L, the aircraft climbs out heading southwest, putting the right side of the plane facing roughly north-northwest. This gives right-side passengers a good angled view back toward Downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River separating the U.S. from Windsor, Ontario, as the plane gains altitude.
Look forDowntown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario (Canada), Ambassador Bridge
Left window seat view during takeoff from Detroit (DTW) — Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario (Canada), Ambassador BridgeLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Detroit (DTW) — Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario (Canada), Ambassador BridgeRight Side

🛬 Landing at Detroit (DTW)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 22R, you approach from the northeast heading southwest, and downtown Detroit sits just off the nose to the east — that puts the skyline, river, and bridge nicely in view on the left side of the plane. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl west of the airport, which is far less interesting.
Look forDetroit skyline with the Renaissance Center towers, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, Ford Rouge industrial complex in Dearborn
Left window seat view during landing at Detroit (DTW) — Detroit skyline with the Renaissance Center towers, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, Ford Rouge industrial complex in DearbornLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Detroit (DTW) — Detroit skyline with the Renaissance Center towers, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, Ford Rouge industrial complex in DearbornRight Side
DetroitPhoto: Shan Nir

DTW is a major Delta Air Lines hub and one of the largest airports in the US by land area, with two main terminals (McNamara and North) connected by an underground tunnel with light show, and six runways supporting heavy connecting traffic.

⛰️ Elevation646 ft
🛫 Runways6 (04R/22L, 03R/21L, 04L/22R, 09L/27R, 03L/21R, 09R/27L)
✈️ HubDelta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines
📍 NearbyYQG 21 miTOL 49 miFNT 56 miLAN 74 mi

Connecting at DTW?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Detroit Metro Wayne Co.

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?

At Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario (Canada), Ambassador Bridge.

What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?

When taking off from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 22L, the aircraft climbs out heading southwest, putting the right side of the plane facing roughly north-northwest. This gives right-side passengers a good angled view back toward Downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River separating the U.S. from Windsor, Ontario, as the plane gains altitude. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario (Canada), Ambassador Bridge.

What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?

When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 22R, you approach from the northeast heading southwest, and downtown Detroit sits just off the nose to the east — that puts the skyline, river, and bridge nicely in view on the left side of the plane. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl west of the airport, which is far less interesting. Notable sights include: Detroit skyline with the Renaissance Center towers, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, Ford Rouge industrial complex in Dearborn.

What factors affect the best window seat at Detroit Metro Wayne Co?

The best window seat at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Detroit (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.