While left offers dramatic Icelandic volcanic terrain at departure, right provides superior views for the longer portion of the flight—the approach into Detroit with its distinctive river, skyline, and Great Lakes geography is more visually rewarding than the mid-Atlantic crossing.
Flown RKV to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Detroit is 2,806 miles (4,515 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). Midpoint is roughly over the waters between Greenland and Newfoundland. At cruise altitude, the Atlantic appears as a featureless gray expanse with occasional cloud formations. Approaching North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) become visible as dark landmass on the horizon. The flight then crosses over the Great Lakes region—Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are visible as large water bodies before the final descent into Detroit.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTRKV typically departs to the north or northeast. Left seats face toward the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Atlantic, offering views of Iceland's volcanic landscape and coastal features immediately after rotation.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTDTW typically lands on runways 03L/03R or 21L/21R depending on wind. Approaching from the northeast (from Iceland), right seats will face south and southwest toward the Detroit metropolitan area, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario—the most populated and visually distinctive features of the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Detroit. While left offers dramatic Icelandic volcanic terrain at departure, right provides superior views for the longer portion of the flight—the approach into Detroit with its distinctive river, skyline, and Great Lakes geography is more visually rewarding than the mid-Atlantic crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. RKV typically departs to the north or northeast. Left seats face toward the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Atlantic, offering views of Iceland's volcanic landscape and coastal features immediately after rotation. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula (volcanic terrain), Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja (northeast of airport), Atlantic coastline.
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 typically lands on runways 03L/03R or 21L/21R depending on wind. Approaching from the northeast (from Iceland), right seats will face south and southwest toward the Detroit metropolitan area, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario—the most populated and visually distinctive features of the approach. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair (to the east), Windsor Ontario across the river.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Detroit?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,806 miles (4,515 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). Midpoint is roughly over the waters between Greenland and Newfoundland. At cruise altitude, the Atlantic appears as a featureless gray expanse with occasional cloud formations. Approaching North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) become visible as dark landmass on the horizon. The flight then crosses over the Great Lakes region—Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are visible as large water bodies before the final descent into Detroit.