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CAE → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Columbia) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the urban Piedmont regions, the lush Shenandoah Valley, and a spectacular arrival sequence featuring Lake Erie and the Detroit skyline.
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Piedmont Urban Corridor
Views of the Winston-Salem and Greensboro metropolitan areas during the initial climb.
Shenandoah Valley
A picturesque view of the fertile valley sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.
Lake Erie Shoreline
The massive expanse of the Great Lake becomes visible as the flight begins its descent.
Detroit River Frontier
Stunning views of the international border, the Ambassador Bridge, and the downtown Detroit skyline on final approach.
Morning flights are best for this side to see the sun rising over the Atlantic coastal plain to the east. During the descent into DTW, stay alert as the plane often banks over Lake Erie, providing a clear view of the Detroit-Windsor border. This side is particularly scenic in autumn when the Shenandoah Valley displays vibrant fall colors.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
Aerial views of the ancient, rolling peaks of the southern Appalachian range.
New River Gorge
Spot the deep, winding canyons and rugged wilderness of West Virginia's iconic river system.
The Ohio River
The major waterway marking the border between the Appalachian foothills and the Midwest plains.
Ohio Farmlands
A patchwork quilt of geometric fields and rural townships stretching toward the horizon.
Sit here for sunset views on late-afternoon flights to watch the sun dip below the Appalachian ridges. In winter, the lack of foliage on the West Virginia hills makes the rocky terrain and river paths much more distinct. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the haze often found over the Ohio Valley.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 940 km (584 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: CAE (33.93880081176758, -81.11949920654297)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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