Right-side seats capture the more dramatic scenery during takeoff with the Detroit River and lakes, while left-side seats offer good landing views. However, the takeoff experience from DTW is more visually compelling, making right the overall choice for this route.
Flown DTW to BDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Windsor Locks is 547 miles (880 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses Lake Erie (visible as a large water expanse), the Ohio-Pennsylvania border region with the Appalachian foothills beginning to appear, and eventually transitions into the New England landscape with increasing forest cover and rolling terrain as the aircraft approaches Connecticut.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer clear views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs northeast from DTW. The river's distinctive curves and the broader expanse of the lake provide strong visual reference points during the initial climb.
Landing at BDL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to BDL. The Connecticut River valley becomes increasingly visible, and the landscape transitions from the Massachusetts uplands to the flatter Connecticut River plain where Bradley is located.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Bradley International (BDL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Windsor Locks. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic scenery during takeoff with the Detroit River and lakes, while left-side seats offer good landing views. However, the takeoff experience from DTW is more visually compelling, making right the overall choice for this route.
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 clear views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs northeast from DTW. The river's distinctive curves and the broader expanse of the lake provide strong visual reference points during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, downtown Detroit skyline, Belle Isle.
What can I see when landing at Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
When landing at Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to BDL. The Connecticut River valley becomes increasingly visible, and the landscape transitions from the Massachusetts uplands to the flatter Connecticut River plain where Bradley is located. Notable sights include: Connecticut River, Massachusetts uplands, Hartford metropolitan area, Farmington River.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Windsor Locks?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Bradley International (BDL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 547 miles (880 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Windsor Locks flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Lake Erie (visible as a large water expanse), the Ohio-Pennsylvania border region with the Appalachian foothills beginning to appear, and eventually transitions into the New England landscape with increasing forest cover and rolling terrain as the aircraft approaches Connecticut.