Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior water features and urban scenery on both legs. Takeoff captures the Great Lakes and Detroit waterfront; cruise crosses the Atlantic with occasional coastal views; landing features the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's Bosphorus approach—a genuinely scenic finale. Left side remains predominantly over flat terrain and open ocean with minimal landmark density.
Flown DTW to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Pendik, Istanbul is 5,323 miles (8,567 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Atlantic Ocean crossing (5+ hours over open water with occasional Greenland ice sheet views if far north routing), Azores islands possible on southern routing, European coastline approaching Portugal/Spain, Mediterranean approaches to Turkey, Balkans terrain over Greece/Bulgaria
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight side captures Detroit's urban waterfront and the Great Lakes shoreline during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward flat Michigan terrain with minimal visual interest during departure.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach views of the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's Asian shoreline, and the Bosphorus strait during descent into SAW. Left side faces the Anatolian plateau interior with minimal water features or urban landmarks during the approach sequence.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Pendik, Istanbul. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior water features and urban scenery on both legs. Takeoff captures the Great Lakes and Detroit waterfront; cruise crosses the Atlantic with occasional coastal views; landing features the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's Bosphorus approach—a genuinely scenic finale. Left side remains predominantly over flat terrain and open ocean with minimal landmark density.
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 captures Detroit's urban waterfront and the Great Lakes shoreline during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward flat Michigan terrain with minimal visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Detroit River and downtown skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Windsor Ontario across the border.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach views of the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's Asian shoreline, and the Bosphorus strait during descent into SAW. Left side faces the Anatolian plateau interior with minimal water features or urban landmarks during the approach sequence. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait entrance, Istanbul's Asian shore development, Pendik waterfront.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,323 miles (8,567 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Atlantic Ocean crossing (5+ hours over open water with occasional Greenland ice sheet views if far north routing), Azores islands possible on southern routing, European coastline approaching Portugal/Spain, Mediterranean approaches to Turkey, Balkans terrain over Greece/Bulgaria