The left side wins overall because the dramatic Cascade volcano views during departure outweigh the modestly scenic Detroit skyline glimpse on arrival; the long cruise over the northern Rockies and Great Plains is largely featureless flat terrain regardless of side.
Flown PDX to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Detroit is 1,948 miles (3,135 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
Northern Rocky Mountain foothills in Idaho and Montana, the Missouri River basin, and the flat expanse of the northern Great Plains before descending toward the Great Lakes region.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTEastbound departures out of PDX typically climb out over the Columbia River and swing north before turning east, putting the Cascade volcanoes squarely on the left side. Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams dominate the horizon during the climb, a much more dramatic sight than the flat Willamette Valley farmland visible to the south.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTDTW's typical southwest-facing approach on the 22 runways brings the aircraft in from the northwest, giving right-side passengers a view across the Detroit River toward downtown Detroit's skyline and the Ambassador Bridge before landing. The left side mostly overlooks flat Michigan farmland and suburban grids with no major 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 Portland International (PDX) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Detroit. The left side wins overall because the dramatic Cascade volcano views during departure outweigh the modestly scenic Detroit skyline glimpse on arrival; the long cruise over the northern Rockies and Great Plains is largely featureless flat terrain regardless of side.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eastbound departures out of PDX typically climb out over the Columbia River and swing north before turning east, putting the Cascade volcanoes squarely on the left side. Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams dominate the horizon during the climb, a much more dramatic sight than the flat Willamette Valley farmland visible to the south. Notable sights include: Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Columbia River, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DTW's typical southwest-facing approach on the 22 runways brings the aircraft in from the northwest, giving right-side passengers a view across the Detroit River toward downtown Detroit's skyline and the Ambassador Bridge before landing. The left side mostly overlooks flat Michigan farmland and suburban grids with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, Lake St. Clair.
How long is the flight from Portland to Detroit?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,948 miles (3,135 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Detroit flight path pass over?
Northern Rocky Mountain foothills in Idaho and Montana, the Missouri River basin, and the flat expanse of the northern Great Plains before descending toward the Great Lakes region.