Detroit to New York is 500 miles (805 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
While takeoff favors the left side with a glimpse of Detroit, the right side wins overall because of the more consistently interesting cruise view over Lake Erie's southern shore and the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania, capped by the Manhattan skyline appearing during the LGA approach.
Flight Path
Southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau ridgelines, and the rolling hills of the Susquehanna River valley as the route crosses into New York State
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTDeparting DTW eastbound, the initial climb puts downtown Detroit and the Detroit River just off the left side, since the airport sits southwest of the city center. The right side mostly shows flat southeastern Michigan farmland with little to distinguish it.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTOn approach into LGA from the west, arrivals often swing over Long Island Sound before turning south to land, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River bridges on the right side of the cabin. This gives a brief but striking city view that the left side, facing mostly Westchester suburbs, doesn't match.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to New York. While takeoff favors the left side with a glimpse of Detroit, the right side wins overall because of the more consistently interesting cruise view over Lake Erie's southern shore and the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania, capped by the Manhattan skyline appearing during the LGA approach.
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 eastbound, the initial climb puts downtown Detroit and the Detroit River just off the left side, since the airport sits southwest of the city center. The right side mostly shows flat southeastern Michigan farmland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Detroit skyline (Renaissance Center), Detroit River, Belle Isle, Lake St. Clair.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into LGA from the west, arrivals often swing over Long Island Sound before turning south to land, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River bridges on the right side of the cabin. This gives a brief but striking city view that the left side, facing mostly Westchester suburbs, doesn't match. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island Sound, Flushing Bay.
How long is the flight from Detroit to New York?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 500 miles (805 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to New York flight path pass over?
Southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau ridgelines, and the rolling hills of the Susquehanna River valley as the route crosses into New York State