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DTW → BHM
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Detroit skyline upon departure and provides the best perspective of the Nashville metropolitan area and the rolling terrain of Middle Tennessee.
Detroit Skyline
Direct views of the Renaissance Center, the Ambassador Bridge, and the downtown core during the initial climb.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On a clear day, the famous racing circuit is visible on the western horizon during the mid-portion of the flight.
Nashville (Music City)
The dense downtown skyline and the Batman Building are prominent landmarks as the flight path passes near Nashville.
William B. Bankhead National Forest
A vast expanse of deep green wilderness in northern Alabama, particularly striking during the autumn foliage season.
Protective Stadium
As you enter the Birmingham pattern, look for the modern stadium and the UAB campus area.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset. During departure from DTW, if the plane heads south immediately, the right side provides an iconic view of the Motor City. It is also the preferred side for identifying Nashville's distinct urban layout and the winding Cumberland River mid-route.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Glimpses of the western basin of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Detroit River shortly after takeoff.
Cincinnati Skyline
Clear views of the 'Queen City' and the distinct bends of the Ohio River as you cross the state border.
Cumberland Plateau
The rugged, forested ridges of the Appalachian foothills stretching through eastern Kentucky and Tennessee.
Guntersville Lake
A massive reservoir on the Tennessee River known for its serpentine shape and surrounding state parks.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Appalachian range. This side also offers a more direct view of the Tennessee River valley as you descend into Alabama. Keep an eye out for the distinctive red soil of the Deep South appearing as you approach Birmingham.
Distance: 1,007 km (626 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: BHM (33.56290054, -86.75350189)
Route Type: Domestic
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