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CID → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from The Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is significantly more scenic as it typically offers distant views of the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan, the distinct geography of the Indiana Dunes, and famous landmarks like Michigan Stadium during the descent into Detroit.
Search flights from CID to DTW
The Quad Cities
A glimpse of the urban clusters along the Mississippi River to the south.
Chicago Skyline
A spectacular distant view of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan lakefront skyscrapers.
Indiana Dunes
The unique sandy coastline and national park landscape at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Michigan Stadium
The massive 'Big House' in Ann Arbor is often visible during the initial approach to DTW.
Ford River Rouge Complex
A sprawling view of Detroit's historic industrial heartland just before touchdown.
Sit on the right for the iconic Chicago skyline view across the water. Morning flights provide the best lighting for photography of the dunes and Ann Arbor. Keep your camera ready about 30 minutes into the flight for the best lakefront views.
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Mississippi River Crossing
View the winding natural border between Iowa and Illinois shortly after takeoff from Cedar Rapids.
Rockford Area
The urban landscape of northern Illinois is clearly visible mid-flight.
North Lake Michigan
A wide-angle view of the deep blue lake waters during the overwater portion of the flight.
Michigan Fruit Belt
The lush greenery and organized patterns of orchards in southwestern Michigan.
Choose an afternoon flight for softer lighting over the Michigan landscape. Look for the Mississippi River within the first 15 minutes of departure. This side is quieter for those who want to avoid the glare of the southern sun.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 691 km (429 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min
Departure: CID (41.88470077514648, -91.71080017089844)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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