Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to New York. While takeoff favors the right, the landing experience on the left is superior—the final approach over Manhattan and the East River is the signature moment of this route. The left side captures more dramatic geography during descent.

During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario immediately after departure. DTW typically departs eastbound (runways 3L/3R or 22L/22R depending on wind), and right windows show the river corridor that defines the city's geography. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Windsor Ontario skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Belle Isle in the river.

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into LGA. Typical landing runways are 4L/4R (northeast heading), which means the descent path crosses over the Bronx, East River, and Manhattan's east side—all visible from the left side during final approach. Notable sights include: East River, Manhattan skyline, Bronx waterfront, Flushing Bay and Queens.

The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses Lake Erie (visible from either side depending on altitude and exact routing), then passes over Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Appalachian foothills become visible in the distance as the aircraft climbs toward cruise altitude. The Hudson River Valley appears during descent into New York, with the river itself visible from both sides during the final 30 minutes of flight.