Neither side offers dramatic terrain on this short, flat Midwest-to-upstate-NY hop, but the Syracuse departure's brief city and lake view gives the left side a slight edge over the largely featureless right-side views.
Flown SYR to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Syracuse to Detroit is 373 miles (601 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Flat agricultural land of central New York and northern Ohio/Michigan, with the Finger Lakes region visible shortly after departure to the south
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYR
LEFTDeparting SYR on runway 28 with an eastward turn, left-side passengers get a brief glimpse of Onondaga Lake and downtown Syracuse before the flight levels off over farmland. Right side just shows suburban sprawl fading into flat terrain.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTOn approach to DTW favoring runway 22, right-side passengers can catch glimpses of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario skyline before the turn onto final, while left side faces flat exurban Michigan farmland with little variation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Syracuse to Detroit. Neither side offers dramatic terrain on this short, flat Midwest-to-upstate-NY hop, but the Syracuse departure's brief city and lake view gives the left side a slight edge over the largely featureless right-side views.
What can I see during takeoff from Syracuse Hancock International in Syracuse?
During takeoff from Syracuse Hancock International (SYR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SYR on runway 28 with an eastward turn, left-side passengers get a brief glimpse of Onondaga Lake and downtown Syracuse before the flight levels off over farmland. Right side just shows suburban sprawl fading into flat terrain. Notable sights include: Onondaga Lake, downtown Syracuse skyline, Interstate 81 corridor.
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 to DTW favoring runway 22, right-side passengers can catch glimpses of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario skyline before the turn onto final, while left side faces flat exurban Michigan farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Windsor skyline, Ambassador Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Syracuse to Detroit?
The flight from Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 373 miles (601 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Syracuse to Detroit flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural land of central New York and northern Ohio/Michigan, with the Finger Lakes region visible shortly after departure to the south