The takeoff views of the Mississippi River and Louisiana wetlands are more visually distinctive and geographically dramatic than the landing approach. While Detroit's river views are pleasant, the Mississippi's scale and complexity from MSY departure make right-side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown MSY to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Detroit is 947 miles (1,525 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Mississippi and Tennessee, passing over the Tennessee River valley and the Cumberland Plateau region. The Mississippi River itself remains visible for roughly the first hour. After that, the landscape transitions to forested terrain with scattered lakes and reservoirs (Kentucky Lake, Barkley Lake visible from altitude). The Ohio River valley appears in the final descent phase as you approach the Great Lakes region. No major mountain ranges are visible—the terrain is predominantly low-relief with gentle rolling hills.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders as you climb out over the New Orleans area. The river's oxbow bends and the surrounding wetlands are distinctive and visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at DET
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Detroit River and the downtown Detroit skyline during approach. Depending on runway assignment (typically 3L/3R or 9L/9R), a left-side approach often aligns with views of the river separating Detroit from Windsor, Ontario, and the city's distinctive waterfront.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Detroit. The takeoff views of the Mississippi River and Louisiana wetlands are more visually distinctive and geographically dramatic than the landing approach. While Detroit's river views are pleasant, the Mississippi's scale and complexity from MSY departure make right-side the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders as you climb out over the New Orleans area. The river's oxbow bends and the surrounding wetlands are distinctive and visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and oxbows), Lake Pontchartrain to the north, New Orleans urban grid, Swamp and bayou wetlands to the west.
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 offer views of the Detroit River and the downtown Detroit skyline during approach. Depending on runway assignment (typically 3L/3R or 9L/9R), a left-side approach often aligns with views of the river separating Detroit from Windsor, Ontario, and the city's distinctive waterfront. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Windsor Ontario across the river, Lake St. Clair to the northeast.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Detroit?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 947 miles (1,525 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Mississippi and Tennessee, passing over the Tennessee River valley and the Cumberland Plateau region. The Mississippi River itself remains visible for roughly the first hour. After that, the landscape transitions to forested terrain with scattered lakes and reservoirs (Kentucky Lake, Barkley Lake visible from altitude). The Ohio River valley appears in the final descent phase as you approach the Great Lakes region. No major mountain ranges are visible—the terrain is predominantly low-relief with gentle rolling hills.