The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Los Angeles basin and mountain backdrop at takeoff, and a glimpse of the Detroit River and skyline on arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain during both phases.
Flight Path
Mojave Desert, southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-Utah border, and the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska pass beneath the route before the flight crosses into the Midwest farmland approaching the Great Lakes region.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTEastbound departures out of LAX typically bank north after climb-out, putting the San Gabriel Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and the downtown Los Angeles skyline on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter South Bay and Orange County sprawl fading into haze.
Landing at DTW
LEFTOn the descent into DTW, the approach path curves in from the northeast before turning onto final for the southwest-facing runways, giving left-side passengers a brief look at the Detroit River corridor and the edge of the city skyline. The right side over this stretch shows only flat Michigan farmland and suburban grids.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Detroit. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Los Angeles basin and mountain backdrop at takeoff, and a glimpse of the Detroit River and skyline on arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain during both phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eastbound departures out of LAX typically bank north after climb-out, putting the San Gabriel Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and the downtown Los Angeles skyline on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter South Bay and Orange County sprawl fading into haze. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
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 the descent into DTW, the approach path curves in from the northeast before turning onto final for the southwest-facing runways, giving left-side passengers a brief look at the Detroit River corridor and the edge of the city skyline. The right side over this stretch shows only flat Michigan farmland and suburban grids. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline edge, Lake St. Clair shoreline, Michigan farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Detroit?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes 4h 15m.
What does the Los Angeles to Detroit flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-Utah border, and the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska pass beneath the route before the flight crosses into the Midwest farmland approaching the Great Lakes region.