While the takeoff offers good Great Lakes views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with Mount Hymettus and the Saronic Gulf. The left side captures the most visually striking portion of the journey.
Flown DTW to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Athens is 5,261 miles (8,467 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, passing over or near the British Isles (typically southern England or the English Channel), then over continental Europe including France and the Alps (visible as a distant mountain range if conditions permit), before descending toward Greece. The Mediterranean Sea becomes visible approximately 2-3 hours before landing, with the Greek mainland and islands appearing as the aircraft approaches from the northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the broader Great Lakes system as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of DTW. The water features are extensive and visually distinctive during the initial climb.
Landing at ATH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Athens, particularly of the Attica region, Mount Hymettus, and the Saronic Gulf. The approach typically brings the aircraft over these prominent geographical features before landing from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Athens. While the takeoff offers good Great Lakes views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with Mount Hymettus and the Saronic Gulf. The left side captures the most visually striking portion of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), 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 northeastward out of DTW. The water features are extensive and visually distinctive during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron (distant), Grosse Pointe shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Athens, particularly of the Attica region, Mount Hymettus, and the Saronic Gulf. The approach typically brings the aircraft over these prominent geographical features before landing from the east. Notable sights include: Mount Hymettus, Saronic Gulf, Attica Plain, Acropolis district (distant urban cluster).
How long is the flight from Detroit to Athens?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,261 miles (8,467 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Athens flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, passing over or near the British Isles (typically southern England or the English Channel), then over continental Europe including France and the Alps (visible as a distant mountain range if conditions permit), before descending toward Greece. The Mediterranean Sea becomes visible approximately 2-3 hours before landing, with the Greek mainland and islands appearing as the aircraft approaches from the northwest.