While the DTW departure offers urban scenery and the Detroit River, the LBG approach provides more visually distinctive geography: the Seine's dramatic meanders, the contrast between rural Île-de-France and Parisian urban density, and the airfield itself. The right side captures more varied terrain and recognizable landmarks across the full flight. The left side's takeoff advantage is outweighed by the right side's superior landing experience.
Flown DTW to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Paris is 3,948 miles (6,354 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
North Atlantic crossing (5+ hours of open ocean with minimal landmarks); Greenland's southern coast and Davis Strait (if visible during daylight); Irish coastline and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; English Channel and northern France's Seine valley and agricultural plains during descent
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTDeparting DTW typically uses runway 22L/22R (southwest heading) under prevailing northerly winds. Left-side passengers face south and southwest during initial climb, capturing the Detroit metropolitan area, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario across the border. Right-side passengers see the flat Midwest interior immediately.
Landing at LBG
RIGHTApproaching LBG from the west typically uses runway 07 (heading 69°, northeast). Right-side passengers descend over the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France agricultural plains, and Paris's northern suburbs. The approach path offers views of the Seine's meanders, Parisian urban sprawl, and the transition from rural to metropolitan landscape. Left-side passengers see open countryside and fewer distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Paris. While the DTW departure offers urban scenery and the Detroit River, the LBG approach provides more visually distinctive geography: the Seine's dramatic meanders, the contrast between rural Île-de-France and Parisian urban density, and the airfield itself. The right side captures more varied terrain and recognizable landmarks across the full flight. The left side's takeoff advantage is outweighed by the right side's superior landing experience.
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 typically uses runway 22L/22R (southwest heading) under prevailing northerly winds. Left-side passengers face south and southwest during initial climb, capturing the Detroit metropolitan area, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario across the border. Right-side passengers see the flat Midwest interior immediately. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Windsor skyline, Lake St. Clair to the east, suburban Detroit sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching LBG from the west typically uses runway 07 (heading 69°, northeast). Right-side passengers descend over the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France agricultural plains, and Paris's northern suburbs. The approach path offers views of the Seine's meanders, Parisian urban sprawl, and the transition from rural to metropolitan landscape. Left-side passengers see open countryside and fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Seine River meanders, Paris northern suburbs and urban fringe, Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, Le Bourget airfield itself.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Paris?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,948 miles (6,354 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Paris flight path pass over?
North Atlantic crossing (5+ hours of open ocean with minimal landmarks); Greenland's southern coast and Davis Strait (if visible during daylight); Irish coastline and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; English Channel and northern France's Seine valley and agricultural plains during descent