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DTW → BUF
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Buffalo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it typically offers views of the Detroit-Windsor skyline upon departure and is the prime side for spotting Niagara Falls during the approach into Buffalo.
Search flights from DTW to BUF
Detroit-Windsor Skyline
Aerial views of the Renaissance Center, the Detroit River, and the Ambassador Bridge connecting the US and Canada.
Lake St. Clair
A clear view of the heart-shaped lake nestled between Michigan and Ontario shortly after takeoff.
Welland Canal
Observe the massive locks and ships moving between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario across the Niagara Peninsula.
Niagara Falls
The highlight of the trip; both the American and Horseshoe Falls are usually visible on the left during the descent into BUF.
Grand Island
View the Niagara River splitting around this large island just before it reaches the falls.
Book a window seat on the left for the descent into Buffalo. Depending on the wind, planes often loop north of the city, providing a spectacular view of the Niagara Falls mist. Early morning flights provide the best lighting for the falls without the glare from the southern sun.
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Lake Erie Shoreline
Continuous views of the southern coastline, tracking along the northern borders of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Cleveland & Erie
On clear days, the city skylines of Cleveland, OH and Erie, PA can be spotted across the water to the south.
Presque Isle State Park
The distinctive sandy peninsula arching into Lake Erie near Erie, Pennsylvania is a prominent landmark.
Western NY Farmland
The transition from the lake to the rolling agricultural landscape of Chautauqua and Erie counties.
The right side is ideal for tracking the southern coast of Lake Erie. If flying in the late afternoon, this side provides beautiful sunset views over the water, though you will likely miss the close-up view of Niagara Falls that the left side offers.
Book Hotels in BuffaloDistance: 387 km (240 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 39 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: BUF (42.94049835, -78.73220062)
Route Type: Domestic
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