While takeoff offers some interest, the landing approach into New Orleans provides superior scenery. The Mississippi River's meanders and the distinctive Louisiana bayou landscape are far more visually striking and geographically significant than the Detroit departure. Left-side seats capture this best during descent.
Flown DTW to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to New Orleans is 927 miles (1,493 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Mississippi. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible around 1.5 hours into flight), the Mississippi-Tennessee border region with its rolling terrain, and the transition from forested uplands into the flat Mississippi Delta region as you approach Louisiana. The Ohio River may be visible in the northern portion of the flight path depending on exact routing. The landscape gradually flattens and becomes more water-logged as you move south, with increasing evidence of wetlands and agricultural areas.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Detroit metropolitan area and the western shore of Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Detroit and surrounding suburbs receding beneath you, with the lake's distinctive shape becoming visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at MSY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into New Orleans. You'll see the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and oxbow lakes becoming increasingly detailed as you descend, plus the flat Louisiana bayou landscape with its characteristic water channels and vegetation patterns.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to New Orleans. While takeoff offers some interest, the landing approach into New Orleans provides superior scenery. The Mississippi River's meanders and the distinctive Louisiana bayou landscape are far more visually striking and geographically significant than the Detroit departure. Left-side seats capture this best during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit metropolitan area and the western shore of Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Detroit and surrounding suburbs receding beneath you, with the lake's distinctive shape becoming visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit metropolitan area, Detroit River, Lake Erie (distant southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into New Orleans. You'll see the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and oxbow lakes becoming increasingly detailed as you descend, plus the flat Louisiana bayou landscape with its characteristic water channels and vegetation patterns. Notable sights include: Mississippi River meanders and oxbow lakes, Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana bayou wetlands, New Orleans urban area.
How long is the flight from Detroit to New Orleans?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 927 miles (1,493 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Mississippi. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible around 1.5 hours into flight), the Mississippi-Tennessee border region with its rolling terrain, and the transition from forested uplands into the flat Mississippi Delta region as you approach Louisiana. The Ohio River may be visible in the northern portion of the flight path depending on exact routing. The landscape gradually flattens and becomes more water-logged as you move south, with increasing evidence of wetlands and agricultural areas.