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BDL → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Connecticut River Valley immediately after takeoff and provides a dramatic perspective of the Cleveland skyline and the Detroit River waterfront during the descent into DTW.
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Hartford Skyline
Excellent views of the Connecticut State Capitol and downtown Hartford immediately after departing Bradley.
Pocono Mountains
Look south as you cross over Pennsylvania to see the rolling peaks and forested ridges of the Poconos.
Cleveland Skyline
On clear days, the skyscrapers of downtown Cleveland and the Progressive Field stadium are visible along the Lake Erie shore.
Lake Erie Islands
Spot South Bass and Kelleys Islands dotting the western basin of Lake Erie before starting the final descent.
Detroit River & Bridge
Dramatic views of the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor international border during the approach to DTW.
For morning flights, the left side is ideal as the sun will be behind or above the plane, reducing glare on the window. On the approach to Detroit (especially when landing on Runway 22), the left side is the prime spot for viewing the Renaissance Center and downtown Detroit. Choose a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the ground features.
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Connecticut River
The winding path of the Connecticut River is clearly visible as the flight heads west from Windsor Locks.
Hudson River Valley
A crossing of the Hudson River north of New York City offers views of the scenic highlands and historic river towns.
Catskill Mountains
Rugged terrain and deep green forests of the Catskill Park are visible to the north during the mid-flight cruise.
Southern Finger Lakes
Glacial lakes like Seneca and Cayuga can often be spotted stretching northward toward Lake Ontario.
Lake St. Clair
As you circle for landing, enjoy expansive views of the blue waters between Michigan and Ontario.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon or sunset flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides a great perspective of the vastness of the Great Lakes system, particularly Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. If the flight path takes a more northerly route, you might even catch a distant glimpse of the Niagara Falls mist to the north.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 881 km (547 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: BDL (41.9388999939, -72.68319702149999)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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