Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the flight the left side also faces south over the northern Rockies, giving occasional views of mountain terrain over Idaho and Montana before the landscape flattens into the Great Lakes region.
Flown SEA to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Detroit is 1,932 miles (3,110 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
Northern Rocky Mountains over Idaho and western Montana, the flat agricultural plains of North Dakota and Minnesota, the southern tip of Lake Michigan visible to the south as the flight crosses into Michigan, and the patchwork farmland of lower Michigan on descent
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTSEA primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southbound departures, then aircraft turn eastward. The left side faces north and east during the climbout, giving views over Lake Washington, the Seattle city grid, and the Cascade Range. Mount Rainier dominates the southeast horizon as the aircraft climbs and banks east.
Landing at DET
LEFTDetroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 33, meaning the left side looks south over the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario, and the dense urban grid of central Detroit. Lake St. Clair is visible to the northeast on descent.
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 Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Detroit. Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the flight the left side also faces south over the northern Rockies, giving occasional views of mountain terrain over Idaho and Montana before the landscape flattens into the Great Lakes region.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SEA primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southbound departures, then aircraft turn eastward. The left side faces north and east during the climbout, giving views over Lake Washington, the Seattle city grid, and the Cascade Range. Mount Rainier dominates the southeast horizon as the aircraft climbs and banks east. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier to the southeast, Lake Washington directly below, Seattle city center to the north, Cascade Range stretching north-south on the horizon.
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. Detroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 33, meaning the left side looks south over the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario, and the dense urban grid of central Detroit. Lake St. Clair is visible to the northeast on descent. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Windsor Ontario directly south, downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, dense urban grid of east Detroit.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Detroit?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,932 miles (3,110 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Detroit flight path pass over?
Northern Rocky Mountains over Idaho and western Montana, the flat agricultural plains of North Dakota and Minnesota, the southern tip of Lake Michigan visible to the south as the flight crosses into Michigan, and the patchwork farmland of lower Michigan on descent