While takeoff offers desert scenery, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive features with the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the contrast between the urban core and surrounding water bodies. Left-side seats capture these defining geographic features of the Detroit region.
Flown LUF to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Detroit is 1,703 miles (2,740 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Great Lakes region. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible around the 2-hour mark), the transition from plains to agricultural heartland in Illinois and Indiana, and Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline as you approach the Detroit area. The terrain gradually transitions from flat desert and plains to rolling agricultural land and finally to the Great Lakes basin with its network of lakes and rivers.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LUF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin as you climb out. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Scottsdale against the backdrop of desert terrain, which provides good visual contrast during the initial climb.
Landing at DET
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit metropolitan area during approach. You'll see the water features that define the region and the urban landscape of Detroit and its suburbs as you descend into Coleman Young International Airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luke Afb (LUF) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Detroit. While takeoff offers desert scenery, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive features with the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the contrast between the urban core and surrounding water bodies. Left-side seats capture these defining geographic features of the Detroit region.
What can I see during takeoff from Luke Afb in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Luke Afb (LUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin as you climb out. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Scottsdale against the backdrop of desert terrain, which provides good visual contrast during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Phoenix city grid and urban development, Salt River valley floor, McDowell Mountains to the northeast, Sonoran Desert extending eastward.
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. Left-side seats provide views of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit metropolitan area during approach. You'll see the water features that define the region and the urban landscape of Detroit and its suburbs as you descend into Coleman Young International Airport. Notable sights include: Detroit River separating Detroit from Windsor, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Detroit downtown skyline, suburban sprawl extending westward.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Detroit?
The flight from Luke Afb (LUF) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,703 miles (2,740 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Great Lakes region. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible around the 2-hour mark), the transition from plains to agricultural heartland in Illinois and Indiana, and Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline as you approach the Detroit area. The terrain gradually transitions from flat desert and plains to rolling agricultural land and finally to the Great Lakes basin with its network of lakes and rivers.