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CRW → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Yeager Airport (Charleston) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the scenic transition from the Appalachian foothills to the expansive Great Lakes, specifically providing better views of Lake Erie and the Detroit River during the descent.
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Ohio River Meanders
Excellent views of the winding Ohio River and the industrial riverfronts near the West Virginia-Ohio border.
Lake Erie Islands
Stunning aerial views of Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island during the descent into the Detroit area.
Detroit River
Clear visibility of the international border waterway, including heavy commercial shipping traffic and Grosse Ile.
Detroit Skyline
A panoramic view of the Renaissance Center and downtown Detroit when the aircraft enters the landing pattern from the east.
Morning flights offer the best lighting for photography on this side. During the final 15 minutes of the flight, stay alert as the aircraft crosses over Lake Erie; this is when the most iconic landmarks of the Great Lakes region become visible.
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Appalachian Plateau
Deeply dissected plateaus and rugged forested terrain characteristic of West Virginia and southeastern Ohio.
Columbus Metro
Occasional distant views of the Ohio state capital's skyline depending on the specific flight vector.
Ohio Heartland
A vast geometric patchwork of agricultural fields and small rural towns stretching toward the Michigan border.
To avoid sun glare during late afternoon or evening flights, the left side is preferable. Watch for the Scioto River valley as you move through central Ohio; it serves as a primary geographic landmark on this side.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 452 km (281 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: CRW (38.37310028076172, -81.59320068359375)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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