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DTW → DSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Chicago skyline as you bypass the city to the south or north, along with a better perspective of the Mississippi River crossing and the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Search flights from DTW to DSM
Detroit Suburbs
Views of the urban sprawl south of Detroit and the western basin of Lake Erie during initial climb.
Indiana Dunes
The industrial shoreline and sandy dunes of northern Indiana at the southern curve of Lake Michigan.
Chicago Skyline
A distant but spectacular view of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers when passing the Chicago metro area.
O'Hare Layout
Detailed aerial view of one of the world's busiest airports and its intricate runway system.
Mississippi River
A significant crossing over the wide river valley near the Quad Cities border of Illinois and Iowa.
For the best light, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you. This side is preferred for capturing the Chicago skyline; sit behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the horizon. In winter, look for ice sheets forming along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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Ann Arbor
Clear views of the University of Michigan campus and the Big House stadium shortly after takeoff.
Lake Michigan Expanse
Deep blue waters of the Great Lakes extending toward the northern horizon.
Illinois Prairies
The geometric precision of the Midwest's agricultural heartland stretching across northern Illinois.
Cedar River
Watching the winding paths of eastern Iowa's river systems as you approach central Iowa.
Des Moines Inbound
The gold-domed State Capitol building is often visible on the final approach into DSM airport.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, offering vibrant orange and purple hues over the Iowa plains. Keep an eye out for the distinctive circular patterns of center-pivot irrigation in the fields below. Avoid sitting directly over the wing to maintain a clear view of the winding river systems.
Book Hotels in Des MoinesDistance: 856 km (532 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Route Type: Domestic
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