The right side wins overall. The takeoff view over the LA Basin and San Gabriel Mountains is the most dramatic visual moment of the flight. During cruise the right side also faces slightly south, keeping the Colorado Plateau terrain and any visible river systems marginally better positioned. The landing view on the left is good but brief.
Flown LAX to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Detroit is 1,993 miles (3,208 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight tracks northeast over the Mojave Desert, then crosses the Colorado River near Needles, passes over the Arizona high desert and the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, crosses New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, then traverses the flat agricultural plains of Kansas and Missouri before crossing Indiana and into Michigan. The Mississippi River is visible near St. Louis, and Lake Michigan may be visible on the northern horizon during the descent into Detroit.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns northeast. Right side passengers get the sweep back over the LA Basin, with the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown LA skyline visible as the aircraft banks. Left side faces the Pacific with little to see.
Landing at DET
LEFTDetroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Approaches typically come from the southwest or west, meaning left-side passengers get views over the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the downtown Detroit skyline before touchdown. Right side faces suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Detroit. The right side wins overall. The takeoff view over the LA Basin and San Gabriel Mountains is the most dramatic visual moment of the flight. During cruise the right side also faces slightly south, keeping the Colorado Plateau terrain and any visible river systems marginally better positioned. The landing view on the left is good but brief.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns northeast. Right side passengers get the sweep back over the LA Basin, with the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown LA skyline visible as the aircraft banks. Left side faces the Pacific with little to see. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon, Griffith Observatory area.
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 from the southwest or west, meaning left-side passengers get views over the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the downtown Detroit skyline before touchdown. Right side faces suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Detroit River, downtown Detroit skyline, Windsor Ontario waterfront, Lake St. Clair to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Detroit?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,993 miles (3,208 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Mojave Desert, then crosses the Colorado River near Needles, passes over the Arizona high desert and the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, crosses New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, then traverses the flat agricultural plains of Kansas and Missouri before crossing Indiana and into Michigan. The Mississippi River is visible near St. Louis, and Lake Michigan may be visible on the northern horizon during the descent into Detroit.