About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Detroit. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Mount Rainier and the Seattle waterfront; at landing you get the Detroit River and downtown skyline. The mid-flight path over Montana and the Dakotas is largely flat and featureless from altitude, so the departure and arrival views are what matter most here.
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, meaning a left-bank turn to the east puts the Cascade Range directly in view on the left side. You get a clear look at Mount Rainier rising to 14,411 ft, often snow-capped and unmistakable, plus the full Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay before the turn. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, Cascade Range 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 Left side for the best views. DTW typically uses runways 21L/21R or 22L/22R for southwest arrivals, with the approach tracking over the western Detroit suburbs. The left side gives you the Detroit River, Windsor Ontario across the border, and the downtown Detroit skyline on final approach. The right side faces away toward open farmland. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Detroit downtown skyline, Windsor Ontario, Lake Erie shoreline to the south.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Detroit?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Seattle to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly east-southeast over the Idaho Panhandle, then across the plains of Montana and North Dakota, the Great Lakes region of northern Michigan, and into Detroit. The Rocky Mountain foothills are briefly visible early in the flight near Missoula, Montana. The remainder is largely flat agricultural land — the Missouri River and its tributaries may be visible as winding dark lines across the plains. Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline appears on the left side during descent into DTW.