While the left side wins both takeoff and landing with city and river views, the right side gets the only real drama of the long Atlantic crossing—glimpses of Scotland's coast, the edge of Greenland's ice cap, and the Labrador coastline—pushing its overall score higher despite a long ocean-only middle.
Flown FRA to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Detroit is 4,150 miles (6,679 km), a flight of about 9 hours 35 minutes.
North Sea and Scottish coastline, open North Atlantic, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Labrador coast, and the forested lowlands of eastern Canada before the Great Lakes basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
LEFTDeparting FRA's westerly runways, the initial climb and turn put the Rhine-Main basin, Frankfurt's skyline and the wooded Taunus ridge on the left side before the aircraft turns north toward the North Sea.
Landing at DTW
LEFTOn approach to DTW's north-south runways, the descent path crosses Lake St Clair and the Detroit River, giving left-side passengers a clear view of downtown Detroit's skyline and the Windsor, Ontario shoreline across the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Detroit. While the left side wins both takeoff and landing with city and river views, the right side gets the only real drama of the long Atlantic crossing—glimpses of Scotland's coast, the edge of Greenland's ice cap, and the Labrador coastline—pushing its overall score higher despite a long ocean-only middle.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing FRA's westerly runways, the initial climb and turn put the Rhine-Main basin, Frankfurt's skyline and the wooded Taunus ridge on the left side before the aircraft turns north toward the North Sea. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline, Rhine and Main rivers, Taunus hills.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to DTW's north-south runways, the descent path crosses Lake St Clair and the Detroit River, giving left-side passengers a clear view of downtown Detroit's skyline and the Windsor, Ontario shoreline across the water. Notable sights include: Detroit River, downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St Clair, Windsor Ontario shoreline.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Detroit?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 9 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,150 miles (6,679 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Detroit flight path pass over?
North Sea and Scottish coastline, open North Atlantic, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Labrador coast, and the forested lowlands of eastern Canada before the Great Lakes basin