Detroit to Rome flight path: DTW to FCO

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Rome. The left side benefits from a scenic departure over Detroit and its waterways, plus likely glimpses of Newfoundland, the Labrador Sea, and possibly Greenland's southern coast as the great-circle route bulges north over the Atlantic — features the right side never sees during the ocean-dominated cruise. Even though the right side wins the final approach into Rome, the left side's added cruise-phase variety gives it the higher overall score.

During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DTW on the 22 runways, eastbound Atlantic traffic typically banks north toward Canadian airspace, putting downtown Detroit, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair on the left side of the aircraft during the climb. The right side mostly shows flat southeastern Michigan farmland and the Lake Erie shoreline receding behind. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Renaissance Center skyline, Lake St. Clair, Windsor/Ontario shoreline, Belle Isle.

When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into FCO, arrivals aligning for the southern runway complex typically swing over the Tyrrhenian coastline before turning inbound, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Mediterranean, Fiumicino's harbor, and the beaches of Ostia. Left-side passengers mainly see flat Lazio countryside and scattered towns with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Fiumicino harbor and marina, Ostia beach, Tiber River delta.

The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes 9h 05m.

North Atlantic Ocean crossing south of Greenland, with the flight path passing near Newfoundland and the Labrador Sea before continuing toward Ireland and the European coast.