The right side edges out the left because both the Detroit departure and Shanghai arrival offer river and urban skyline views on that side, while the long cruise over Canadian tundra and Siberian steppe is largely featureless on either side, making the terminal-phase scenery the deciding factor.
Flown DTW to SHA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Shanghai is 7,127 miles (11,470 km), a flight of about 13 hours 35 minutes.
The great-circle path crosses Hudson Bay's southern shore, the tundra of northern Ontario and Quebec, then arcs over eastern Siberia near the Sea of Okhotsk before descending across Mongolia's grasslands and northeastern China's plains toward the Yangtze Delta.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTDeparting DTW to the north or northwest, the right side offers glimpses of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the Windsor/Detroit urban corridor before the aircraft climbs over flat southern Ontario farmland. The left side mostly shows featureless Michigan countryside.
Landing at SHA
RIGHTOn approach into Hongqiao, arrivals from the north or west cross the dense canal-and-river network of the Yangtze River Delta before turning over central Shanghai, giving right-side passengers views of the Huangpu River and the skyscraper cluster of Pudong. The left side mostly faces open agricultural delta land with fewer visual landmarks.
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 Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Shanghai. The right side edges out the left because both the Detroit departure and Shanghai arrival offer river and urban skyline views on that side, while the long cruise over Canadian tundra and Siberian steppe is largely featureless on either side, making the terminal-phase scenery the deciding factor.
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. Departing DTW to the north or northwest, the right side offers glimpses of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the Windsor/Detroit urban corridor before the aircraft climbs over flat southern Ontario farmland. The left side mostly shows featureless Michigan countryside. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair shoreline, Windsor-Detroit urban corridor, southern Ontario farmland.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Hongqiao, arrivals from the north or west cross the dense canal-and-river network of the Yangtze River Delta before turning over central Shanghai, giving right-side passengers views of the Huangpu River and the skyscraper cluster of Pudong. The left side mostly faces open agricultural delta land with fewer visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower), Yangtze River Delta canals, Hongqiao urban district.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Shanghai?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 13 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,127 miles (11,470 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The great-circle path crosses Hudson Bay's southern shore, the tundra of northern Ontario and Quebec, then arcs over eastern Siberia near the Sea of Okhotsk before descending across Mongolia's grasslands and northeastern China's plains toward the Yangtze Delta.