The TPE departure on the left side offers more dramatic and varied scenery—Taiwan's mountainous terrain, the strait, and coastal features are visually distinctive. The DTW landing on the right is scenic but less dramatic. Left wins for the full journey.
Flown TPE to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Detroit is 7,530 miles (12,118 km), a flight of about 15 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 7,000 nautical miles. Notable features include the East China Sea and Okinawa region during initial westbound climb, the vast open Pacific with occasional weather systems, the Aleutian Islands region to the north (not directly on path but visible from high altitude on clear days), and the North American continent approaching from the west with the Rocky Mountains visible during descent into the Great Lakes region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
LEFTLeft side captures the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan coastline during climb-out. You'll see the northeastern coast near Keelung and the strait opening toward mainland China, with clear water-to-land contrast.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Great Lakes region during descent into Detroit. You'll see Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron, plus the Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding Michigan terrain as you approach from the northeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Detroit. The TPE departure on the left side offers more dramatic and varied scenery—Taiwan's mountainous terrain, the strait, and coastal features are visually distinctive. The DTW landing on the right is scenic but less dramatic. Left wins for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan coastline during climb-out. You'll see the northeastern coast near Keelung and the strait opening toward mainland China, with clear water-to-land contrast. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait, Keelung coastal area, northern Taiwan mountain ridges, East China Sea.
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. Right side offers views of the Great Lakes region during descent into Detroit. You'll see Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron, plus the Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding Michigan terrain as you approach from the northeast. Notable sights include: Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Detroit metropolitan area, Michigan shoreline.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Detroit?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,530 miles (12,118 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 7,000 nautical miles. Notable features include the East China Sea and Okinawa region during initial westbound climb, the vast open Pacific with occasional weather systems, the Aleutian Islands region to the north (not directly on path but visible from high altitude on clear days), and the North American continent approaching from the west with the Rocky Mountains visible during descent into the Great Lakes region.