The left side captures the Bay departure, the Sierra Nevada and Great Salt Lake basin during cruise, and a farmland-and-lake view on arrival into Detroit, giving more consistent scenic variety than the right side, which mostly faces open plains and less distinctive terrain.
Flown SFO to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Detroit is 2,074 miles (3,337 km), a flight of about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Sierra Nevada range near Lake Tahoe, Great Salt Lake basin, Rocky Mountain foothills in Wyoming, and the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa along the route toward the Midwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on runway 28/10 heading east, the aircraft climbs directly over San Francisco Bay before turning onto its transcontinental heading. The left side offers a brief but clear view of the Bay, the East Bay hills, and the fading skyline of San Francisco before the climb turns inland toward the Sierra Nevada.
Landing at DTW
LEFTOn approach to DTW's north-south runway complex from the northeast, passengers on the left side get a wider view over the patchwork farmland of southeastern Michigan and glimpses of Lake St. Clair before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Detroit. The left side captures the Bay departure, the Sierra Nevada and Great Salt Lake basin during cruise, and a farmland-and-lake view on arrival into Detroit, giving more consistent scenic variety than the right side, which mostly faces open plains and less distinctive terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SFO on runway 28/10 heading east, the aircraft climbs directly over San Francisco Bay before turning onto its transcontinental heading. The left side offers a brief but clear view of the Bay, the East Bay hills, and the fading skyline of San Francisco before the climb turns inland toward the Sierra Nevada. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Oakland shoreline, East Bay hills, distant Sierra Nevada 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. On approach to DTW's north-south runway complex from the northeast, passengers on the left side get a wider view over the patchwork farmland of southeastern Michigan and glimpses of Lake St. Clair before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Clinton River valley, Michigan farmland patchwork, Detroit suburbs.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Detroit?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,074 miles (3,337 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Detroit flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada range near Lake Tahoe, Great Salt Lake basin, Rocky Mountain foothills in Wyoming, and the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa along the route toward the Midwest.