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CMH → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Columbus) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Lake Erie shoreline and the iconic Detroit skyline during the final descent into DTW.
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Alum Creek Lake
A large, distinctive reservoir visible immediately north of the airport during climb out.
Lake Erie Coastline
Stunning views of the western basin of Lake Erie and potentially Cedar Point in the distance.
Erie Islands
Look for South Bass and Pelee Islands dotted in the lake waters during the descent.
Detroit Skyline
A clear view of the Renaissance Center and the Ambassador Bridge during the northern approach.
Detroit River
The international shipping channel separating Michigan from Ontario, Canada.
Sit on the right for spectacular sunrise views over the water on early morning flights. This side is ideal for photographers wanting to capture the Detroit skyline as the plane banks for its final approach into Metro Airport. Keep an eye out for the Monroe Power Plant's massive cooling towers near the Michigan border.
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Scioto River
Views of the winding river valley north of Columbus shortly after takeoff.
Industrial Marysville
The massive Honda manufacturing complex is often visible to the west shortly after departure.
Ohio Agricultural Grid
A perfect geometric patchwork of Midwestern farmlands stretching to the horizon.
Ann Arbor
On certain approach paths, the University of Michigan campus can be spotted to the northwest.
Best in the late afternoon to avoid direct sun glare. Focus on the ground shortly after takeoff to see the transition from urban Columbus to the rural Scioto Valley. Watch for the large wind farms in Northwest Ohio during the cruise phase.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 249 km (155 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: CMH (39.998001, -82.891899)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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