Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the transatlantic nature of the route: the left side offers a slightly better Detroit departure with urban scenery, but the right side compensates with a more distinctive Moscow approach and arrival. The right side edges ahead marginally because the Moscow metropolitan area and surrounding forests provide more visual variety during descent than the left side's approach path. However, this is a close call—the flight is dominated by 7+ hours of open Atlantic Ocean and Eastern European plains, limiting scenic drama on both sides.
Flown DTW to DME? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Moscow is 4,866 miles (7,832 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with occasional cloud formations), southern tip of Greenland and Davis Strait region (if visible through clouds), Iceland's southern coast (rarely visible but possible on northern routing), Norwegian Sea, Scandinavian Peninsula (Norway's fjord coastline and mountains if routing permits), Baltic Sea region, Eastern European plains (Poland, Belarus, western Russia), and the gradual transition from flat terrain to the Moscow metropolitan area and surrounding forests.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTLeft side (north/northeast) offers views of the Detroit metropolitan area, including downtown Detroit skyline and the Detroit River during initial climb. Right side faces open terrain with fewer immediate landmarks.
Landing at DME
RIGHTRight side (south/southwest) provides views during the approach descent into DME. Depending on wind conditions and approach routing, the right side typically faces the Moscow metropolitan area and surrounding terrain during final descent. Left side may see less distinctive features during approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Domodedovo International Airport (DME)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Moscow. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the transatlantic nature of the route: the left side offers a slightly better Detroit departure with urban scenery, but the right side compensates with a more distinctive Moscow approach and arrival. The right side edges ahead marginally because the Moscow metropolitan area and surrounding forests provide more visual variety during descent than the left side's approach path. However, this is a close call—the flight is dominated by 7+ hours of open Atlantic Ocean and Eastern European plains, limiting scenic drama on both sides.
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. Left side (north/northeast) offers views of the Detroit metropolitan area, including downtown Detroit skyline and the Detroit River during initial climb. Right side faces open terrain with fewer immediate landmarks. Notable sights include: Detroit River, downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, suburban sprawl of Metro Detroit.
What can I see when landing at Domodedovo International Airport in Moscow?
When landing at Domodedovo International Airport (DME), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (south/southwest) provides views during the approach descent into DME. Depending on wind conditions and approach routing, the right side typically faces the Moscow metropolitan area and surrounding terrain during final descent. Left side may see less distinctive features during approach. Notable sights include: Moscow city sprawl, Moskva River valley, suburban ring roads, forested terrain surrounding Moscow.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Moscow?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Domodedovo International Airport (DME) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,866 miles (7,832 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Moscow flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with occasional cloud formations), southern tip of Greenland and Davis Strait region (if visible through clouds), Iceland's southern coast (rarely visible but possible on northern routing), Norwegian Sea, Scandinavian Peninsula (Norway's fjord coastline and mountains if routing permits), Baltic Sea region, Eastern European plains (Poland, Belarus, western Russia), and the gradual transition from flat terrain to the Moscow metropolitan area and surrounding forests.