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CDG destination photo
DTW destination photo

CDGDTW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is generally superior for this westbound Transatlantic route because it offers potential views of the Greenland icecap and the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Shield, all while remaining in the shade for better photography and less glare.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
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English Channel

Views of the French coastline fading away and the southern tip of the British Isles.

🇮🇪

Irish Headlands

The green cliffs and rugged peninsulas of the Irish coast before the long ocean crossing.

🧊

Greenland Icecap

On northern tracks, witness the breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and ice sheets of Southern Greenland.

🌊

Labrador Coast

The remote, icy waters of the Labrador Sea often dotted with icebergs during late spring.

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Canadian Shield

The ancient, lake-filled boreal forests of Northern Quebec and Ontario.

✋

The Michigan Thumb

As the plane crosses Lake Huron, the distinctive shape of Michigan's 'thumb' peninsula appears.

The right side is the 'cool' side for this flight. Being north-facing, the lighting is soft and perfect for photos of the Arctic landscape. Greenland is the highlight; keep your eyes peeled about 4-5 hours into the flight. If you are flying during winter months and the flight is delayed into the night, this side offers a rare chance to see the Aurora Borealis over the North Atlantic. Aim for a seat ahead of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the Greenland fjords.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
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CDG Departure

Aerial views of the northern Paris suburbs and the winding Seine River immediately after takeoff.

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Newfoundland Coast

The rocky eastern edge of North America as the flight makes landfall over Canada.

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St. Lawrence Estuary

The massive mouth of the St. Lawrence River widening into the Atlantic Ocean.

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Montreal/Toronto Horizon

Distant views of major Canadian metropolitan skylines depending on the specific flight corridor.

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Lake Erie

The blue expanse of the Great Lakes becomes visible as the plane begins its descent into Michigan.

🏢

Detroit Skyline

Views of the Renaissance Center and downtown Detroit if the aircraft approaches DTW from the south.

The left side faces south, meaning you will deal with direct sunlight for most of the westbound daytime flight. Keep your window shade partially closed to avoid glare. This side is better for seeing the sprawling suburban layouts of the American Midwest and the intricate coastlines of the Great Lakes during the final 45 minutes of the journey. In early spring, look for ice floes breaking up in the St. Lawrence.

Top Activities in Detroit
Route Information

Distance: 6,359 km (3,951 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 29 min

Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)

Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)

Route Type: International

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