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BWI → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the geometric Appalachian ridges, the Lake Erie shoreline including Cleveland, and the Detroit city skyline during the final approach.
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Baltimore Inner Harbor
Immediately after takeoff, the right side often catches the city's waterfront and downtown skyline.
Susquehanna River
A massive, wide river crossing that marks the transition into the heart of Pennsylvania.
Ridge-and-Valley Province
View the unique geological 'zig-zag' patterns of the Appalachian Mountains near Harrisburg.
Cleveland Skyline
As the flight nears Lake Erie, the city of Cleveland and its lakefront stadiums are often clearly visible.
Detroit Riverfront
During the descent, enjoy views of the Renaissance Center and the international border with Canada.
The right side avoids the direct glare of the sun on westbound flights during the afternoon. The most scenic portion occurs about 20-30 minutes into the flight over the central Pennsylvania ridges. During the descent into Detroit, stay alert for the industrial architecture and the blue waters of the Detroit River.
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Allegheny Mountains
View the rugged, forested terrain of the Allegheny Plateau shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Greater Pittsburgh
Catch glimpses of the suburban sprawl and the winding Monongahela River south of the city.
Ohio Heartland
The landscape transitions into the vast, organized grid patterns of Midwestern agricultural fields.
Lake Erie Islands
On a southern approach to DTW, you may see Put-in-Bay and Kelley's Island in the distance.
Choose a seat behind the wing to ensure your view of the Appalachian terrain isn't blocked. For evening flights, the sunset will be visible on this side, casting long shadows over the mountains. Keep an eye out for the Ohio River as you cross the Pennsylvania-Ohio border.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 657 km (408 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 6 min
Departure: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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