About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to London. Left side wins both the departure and arrival phases with the best urban views. During the cruise, the left side also offers better angles over the southern coast of Greenland's ice sheet and the Irish coastline on the descent track, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
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. DTW's primary departure runway 21L/21R sends aircraft heading southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat gives you a clear view back over Detroit city, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario across the border. The downtown Detroit skyline is distinctly visible on the left as you climb out. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Ambassador Bridge, Downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Windsor Ontario urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's primary westerly arrivals (runways 27L/27R) bring aircraft in from the east over central London, giving left-side passengers a prolonged view over the Thames, the City of London, and the West End before touching down. This is one of the most spectacular urban approaches in aviation. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, City of London and Canary Wharf towers, Hyde Park and Kensington, Windsor Castle visible to the southwest on final approach.
How long is the flight from Detroit to London?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 8 to 8.5 hours.
What does the Detroit to London flight path pass over?
After climbing northeast over Lake Erie and southern Ontario, the route tracks over Quebec and Newfoundland before crossing the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Newfoundland coastline near Gander, then open ocean. The southern tip of Greenland's ice cap is often visible on the left side in clear conditions. The route then crosses Ireland — Shannon and the Irish midlands patchwork — before descending over Wales and the English Midlands into London.