Loading map...
CLT → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more direct perspective of the dramatic Appalachian ridgelines and a higher probability of viewing the Detroit city skyline during the standard arrival patterns into DTW.
Search flights from CLT to DTW
Blue Ridge Mountains
Stunning views of the rugged Appalachian terrain and deep forested valleys through North Carolina and West Virginia.
New River Gorge
Look for the deep canyon and the iconic bridge as you traverse the heart of the Appalachian plateau.
Scioto River Valley
Aerial views of the winding river as it flows through the plains of southern and central Ohio.
Lake Erie Shoreline
A broad view of the Great Lakes coastline as the plane crosses from Ohio into Michigan airspace.
Detroit Skyline
Clear views of the GM Renaissance Center and the downtown core during the final descent into the airport.
Opt for the left side for sunset flights to witness the sky change colors over the mountains. This side is also preferred for spotting the Detroit city center when the aircraft is landing from the south. Keep a window seat clear of the wing for the most expansive mountain vistas.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Lake Norman
A beautiful view of the large reservoir and its many inlets just north of the Charlotte area.
Appalachian Foothills
The transition from the Piedmont plateau into the rolling hills of the eastern mountain range.
Ohio River
A major industrial waterway that serves as a landmark boundary between West Virginia and Ohio.
Cedar Point
In clear weather, the distant peninsula of the famous amusement park can be spotted on the shores of Lake Erie.
Lake Erie Islands
A cluster of scenic islands, including Put-in-Bay, visible in the western basin of the lake.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. It offers a great perspective of the Great Lakes' vastness and the industrial landscapes of the Ohio River Valley. Watch for the Lake Erie islands roughly 20 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 806 km (501 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.