Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-durham to Detroit. While takeoff offers good Piedmont views on the right, the landing approach into DTW provides more dramatic and distinctive geography—the Detroit River, international border, and Great Lakes region are far more visually striking than the relatively subtle terrain changes during RDU departure.

During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from the Piedmont toward the Coastal Plain. You'll see the terrain gradually flatten as you climb northward. Notable sights include: Neuse River (winding southeast of the airport), Durham and Chapel Hill urban areas to the west, Jordan Lake reservoir to the southwest, Piedmont plateau terrain.

When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. DTW typically lands from the southwest on runways 3L/3R or 9L/9R depending on wind. Left-side seats during approach offer views of the Detroit metropolitan area, including the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario across the border. You'll see the urban sprawl and industrial areas that define the region. Notable sights include: Detroit River (forming the US-Canada border), Windsor Ontario skyline across the river, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Detroit metropolitan urban grid.

The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses central Ohio, passing east of Columbus. You'll see the transition from Appalachian foothills to the flat glaciated plains of Ohio and Michigan. The Ohio River valley may be visible to the east depending on exact routing. Lake Erie appears as you approach Michigan, with the shoreline becoming increasingly prominent in the final 30 minutes of flight.