Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During cruise the left side also faces generally south and west, giving views over the Mississippi River crossings in Tennessee and Kentucky, and the Ohio River valley as you enter the Midwest.
Flown IAH to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Detroit is 1,097 miles (1,766 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over eastern Texas, crossing into Arkansas and Tennessee. Notable features include the Mississippi River near Memphis (a dramatic wide bend visible from altitude), the Tennessee River valley, the rolling terrain of Kentucky and southern Ohio, and the Ohio River before descending into the Detroit area over Lake Erie's western basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH primarily uses runways oriented north-south. Departing northbound on runway 15L/33R or similar, a left (west) seat gives you a view back over downtown Houston's skyline as you climb out. The dense cluster of skyscrapers in central Houston is clearly visible to the southwest during the turn toward the northeast.
Landing at DET
LEFTDetroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Approaches typically come in from the east or northeast, meaning a left seat faces north toward the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario, and Lake St. Clair. You get a clear view of the river boundary between the US and Canada and the broad expanse of Lake St. Clair just to the north.
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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 George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Detroit. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During cruise the left side also faces generally south and west, giving views over the Mississippi River crossings in Tennessee and Kentucky, and the Ohio River valley as you enter the Midwest.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH primarily uses runways oriented north-south. Departing northbound on runway 15L/33R or similar, a left (west) seat gives you a view back over downtown Houston's skyline as you climb out. The dense cluster of skyscrapers in central Houston is clearly visible to the southwest during the turn toward the northeast. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou corridor, Lake Houston to the east (right side), Houston Ship Channel industrial complex.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Detroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Approaches typically come in from the east or northeast, meaning a left seat faces north toward the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario, and Lake St. Clair. You get a clear view of the river boundary between the US and Canada and the broad expanse of Lake St. Clair just to the north. Notable sights include: Detroit River (US-Canada border), Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario urban area, Detroit downtown skyline to the west.
How long is the flight from Houston to Detroit?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,097 miles (1,766 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over eastern Texas, crossing into Arkansas and Tennessee. Notable features include the Mississippi River near Memphis (a dramatic wide bend visible from altitude), the Tennessee River valley, the rolling terrain of Kentucky and southern Ohio, and the Ohio River before descending into the Detroit area over Lake Erie's western basin.