London to Detroit is 3,734 miles (6,009 km), a flight of about 8 hours 40 minutes.
The right side wins overall because the departure sequence offers a genuine, if modest, landscape transition from English countryside into Welsh hills and Irish Sea coastline, while the ocean-dominated cruise phase caps both sides low. The left side's skyline view on landing is nice but brief and doesn't offset the otherwise flat southern England departure view.
Flight Path
North Atlantic open ocean, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet visible on clear days, Newfoundland's rugged coastline, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec's forested Laurentian foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTWesterly departures from Heathrow typically bank northwest toward the Irish Sea corridor, putting the Chiltern Hills, the Welsh border country, and eventually the mountains of North Wales and the Irish coastline on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thames Valley and south coast.
Landing at DET
LEFTOn approach into Detroit City Airport from the north, the final turn typically offers a left-side view over the Detroit River, with downtown Detroit's skyline and the Renaissance Center visible just before touchdown. The right side mainly shows flat suburban Michigan terrain and Lake St. Clair in the distance.
Landmarks on this routeAll 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 Heathrow (LHR) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Detroit. The right side wins overall because the departure sequence offers a genuine, if modest, landscape transition from English countryside into Welsh hills and Irish Sea coastline, while the ocean-dominated cruise phase caps both sides low. The left side's skyline view on landing is nice but brief and doesn't offset the otherwise flat southern England departure view.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westerly departures from Heathrow typically bank northwest toward the Irish Sea corridor, putting the Chiltern Hills, the Welsh border country, and eventually the mountains of North Wales and the Irish coastline on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thames Valley and south coast. Notable sights include: Chiltern Hills, Welsh Marches/Snowdonia foothills, Irish Sea coastline, Isle of Man (distant).
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. On approach into Detroit City Airport from the north, the final turn typically offers a left-side view over the Detroit River, with downtown Detroit's skyline and the Renaissance Center visible just before touchdown. The right side mainly shows flat suburban Michigan terrain and Lake St. Clair in the distance. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline (Renaissance Center), Belle Isle, Windsor, Ontario across the water.
How long is the flight from London to Detroit?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 8 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,734 miles (6,009 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Detroit flight path pass over?
North Atlantic open ocean, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet visible on clear days, Newfoundland's rugged coastline, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec's forested Laurentian foothills