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DTW → CIU
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Chippewa County International Airport (Sault Ste Marie)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the premier view of the Mackinac Bridge, which is the undisputed highlight of this regional flight path.
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Suburban Detroit
Expansive views of the northern Detroit metro sprawl during the initial climb out of DTW.
Inland Michigan Lakes
Bird's-eye view of central Michigan's popular water bodies, including Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake.
Mackinac Bridge
The iconic five-mile suspension bridge connecting Michigan's two peninsulas is clearly visible on descent.
Straits of Mackinac
The stunning turquoise waters where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge at the tip of the mitten.
Choose the left side for a direct view of the Mackinac Bridge during the final 15 minutes of the flight. In autumn, the color change in the northern forests is spectacular. Morning flights provide the best lighting to avoid glare while looking west over the lakes.
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Detroit Skyline
Views of downtown Detroit, the GM Renaissance Center, and the Detroit River shortly after takeoff.
Saginaw Bay
A wide-angle look at the vast Lake Huron coastline and the Michigan 'Thumb' region to the east.
Mackinac Island
Spot the distinct shape of the island, its historic fort, and the white pillars of the Grand Hotel.
St. Marys River
Watch for massive Great Lakes freighters navigating the shipping channels leading toward the Soo Locks.
The right side is ideal for spotting Mackinac Island and freighter traffic in the Great Lakes shipping lanes. If taking an evening flight, this side avoids the direct setting sun, providing better visibility for the Lake Huron coastline and the Les Cheneaux Islands.
Book Hotels in Sault Ste MarieDistance: 458 km (285 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 46 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: CIU (46.25080108642578, -84.47239685058594)
Route Type: Domestic
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