The left side wins narrowly because it captures the only real terrain variation on this short flight — the transition from Piedmont hills to distant Appalachian foothills during climb — while the right side offers little until the very end of the flight near Detroit.
Flown RDU to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Detroit is 501 miles (807 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Southern Appalachian foothills of Virginia and West Virginia, Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of central Ohio give way to the Great Lakes basin near Detroit.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTDeparting RDU to the southwest before turning north, the left side offers a brief glimpse of the Piedmont's rolling hills giving way to the first ridgelines of the Appalachians as the aircraft climbs northwest. The right side over the Coastal Plain stays flat and featureless.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTOn approach into DTW, aircraft typically turn onto a southwest-facing runway heading, banking so the right side faces east toward Lake St. Clair and the Detroit skyline before touchdown. The left side mostly shows flat Michigan farmland with no major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Detroit. The left side wins narrowly because it captures the only real terrain variation on this short flight — the transition from Piedmont hills to distant Appalachian foothills during climb — while the right side offers little until the very end of the flight near Detroit.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing RDU to the southwest before turning north, the left side offers a brief glimpse of the Piedmont's rolling hills giving way to the first ridgelines of the Appalachians as the aircraft climbs northwest. The right side over the Coastal Plain stays flat and featureless. Notable sights include: Piedmont hills, distant Blue Ridge foothills, Falls Lake reservoir.
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. On approach into DTW, aircraft typically turn onto a southwest-facing runway heading, banking so the right side faces east toward Lake St. Clair and the Detroit skyline before touchdown. The left side mostly shows flat Michigan farmland with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair shoreline, Detroit downtown skyline, Detroit River.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Detroit?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 501 miles (807 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Detroit flight path pass over?
Southern Appalachian foothills of Virginia and West Virginia, Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of central Ohio give way to the Great Lakes basin near Detroit.