While takeoff offers decent water views, the landing approach into Ontario provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains as a major focal point. Left-side seats capture the best of the approach descent.
Flown DTW to ONT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Ontario is 1,930 miles (3,106 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain region. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible during early westbound flight), the Rocky Mountains (particularly the Colorado Rockies around Denver area if routed that direction), and the high desert plateau of the American Southwest. The transition from green Midwest to arid western terrain is gradual but visible. Most of the middle flight occurs over sparsely populated high desert and mountain terrain with limited city lights or major landmarks—this is the least scenic portion of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the sprawling suburban development of the Detroit metro area as you climb westward. The river and lakes provide clear geographic markers during the initial climb.
Landing at ONT
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into Ontario. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains dominating the landscape to the north, the sprawling Los Angeles basin development, and the Inland Empire's grid of cities and industrial areas. The mountains create a dramatic visual reference point.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Ontario International (ONT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Ontario. While takeoff offers decent water views, the landing approach into Ontario provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains as a major focal point. Left-side seats capture the best of the approach 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 River, Lake St. Clair, and the sprawling suburban development of the Detroit metro area as you climb westward. The river and lakes provide clear geographic markers during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie (distant), suburban Detroit grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Ontario International in Ontario?
When landing at Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into Ontario. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains dominating the landscape to the north, the sprawling Los Angeles basin development, and the Inland Empire's grid of cities and industrial areas. The mountains create a dramatic visual reference point. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban sprawl, Inland Empire grid development, San Bernardino Valley.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Ontario?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Ontario International (ONT) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,930 miles (3,106 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Ontario flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain region. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible during early westbound flight), the Rocky Mountains (particularly the Colorado Rockies around Denver area if routed that direction), and the high desert plateau of the American Southwest. The transition from green Midwest to arid western terrain is gradual but visible. Most of the middle flight occurs over sparsely populated high desert and mountain terrain with limited city lights or major landmarks—this is the least scenic portion of the route.