The right side offers superior views for the entire flight: Appalachian topography during departure, the ridge-and-valley terrain of Pennsylvania and Ohio during cruise, and the approach to the Detroit area. The left side's river views are excellent for landing but limited during the long cruise segment.
Flown MDT to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Harrisburg to Detroit is 370 miles (595 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Pennsylvania ridge-and-valley topography (Appalachian Mountains), Ohio farmland and scattered lakes, the transition from Appalachian terrain to the Great Lakes Plain near the Michigan border, Lake Erie visible to the north as you approach Michigan
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDT
RIGHTRight side captures the Susquehanna River valley and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains as you climb northwestward. MDT typically departs runway 31 (northwest), so the right side offers the best view of the terrain you're climbing over.
Landing at DTW
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the industrial waterfront as you descend into DTW. Typical landing runways are 3L/3R (northeast approach), so the left side faces the river and Canadian shoreline during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Harrisburg to Detroit. The right side offers superior views for the entire flight: Appalachian topography during departure, the ridge-and-valley terrain of Pennsylvania and Ohio during cruise, and the approach to the Detroit area. The left side's river views are excellent for landing but limited during the long cruise segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Harrisburg International in Harrisburg?
During takeoff from Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Susquehanna River valley and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains as you climb northwestward. MDT typically departs runway 31 (northwest), so the right side offers the best view of the terrain you're climbing over. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River (flowing south through the valley directly below), Blue Ridge Mountains (ridgeline visible to the west), Harrisburg city grid (visible briefly on left before turning), Pennsylvania farmland (patchwork fields extending east).
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. Left side provides views of the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the industrial waterfront as you descend into DTW. Typical landing runways are 3L/3R (northeast approach), so the left side faces the river and Canadian shoreline during final approach. Notable sights include: Detroit River (wide, dark waterway separating Michigan from Ontario), Windsor skyline (visible across the river to the east), Lake St. Clair (visible to the northeast as you descend), Detroit metropolitan sprawl (grid of roads and development extending inland).
How long is the flight from Harrisburg to Detroit?
The flight from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 370 miles (595 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Harrisburg to Detroit flight path pass over?
Pennsylvania ridge-and-valley topography (Appalachian Mountains), Ohio farmland and scattered lakes, the transition from Appalachian terrain to the Great Lakes Plain near the Michigan border, Lake Erie visible to the north as you approach Michigan