The right side benefits from cruise-phase views of the northern Rockies near Glacier National Park and the dramatic Mount Rainier/Puget Sound scenery on arrival, giving it more sustained visual interest than the flatter, less varied left-side views over the Great Plains.
Flown DTW to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Seattle is 1,921 miles (3,092 km), a flight of about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Great Lakes region near Lake Michigan, the flat farmland of the Dakotas, and the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park in Montana before descending toward the Cascades and Puget Sound.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTDeparting DTW on the southwest-facing runway 22, the initial turn toward the northwest puts downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River (with Windsor, Ontario across the water) on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat Michigan suburbs and Lake St. Clair, which is less visually interesting.
Landing at BFI
RIGHTOn approach into BFI, the descent path curves down through the Cascades corridor, giving passengers on the right side clear views of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone to the south and the waters of Puget Sound opening up ahead. The left side mostly faces inland toward the Cascade foothills with less distinctive scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Seattle. The right side benefits from cruise-phase views of the northern Rockies near Glacier National Park and the dramatic Mount Rainier/Puget Sound scenery on arrival, giving it more sustained visual interest than the flatter, less varied left-side views over the Great Plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DTW on the southwest-facing runway 22, the initial turn toward the northwest puts downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River (with Windsor, Ontario across the water) on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat Michigan suburbs and Lake St. Clair, which is less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Windsor Ontario waterfront, Lake St. Clair.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into BFI, the descent path curves down through the Cascades corridor, giving passengers on the right side clear views of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone to the south and the waters of Puget Sound opening up ahead. The left side mostly faces inland toward the Cascade foothills with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, Cascade foothills, Seattle skyline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Seattle?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,921 miles (3,092 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Seattle flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region near Lake Michigan, the flat farmland of the Dakotas, and the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park in Montana before descending toward the Cascades and Puget Sound.