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DTW → FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this transatlantic crossing because it faces north, offering spectacular views of the Greenland ice cap and the highest probability of spotting the Aurora Borealis during the night portion of the flight.
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Detroit Riverfront
Excellent views of downtown Detroit and Windsor, Ontario immediately after takeoff.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Breathtaking views of massive glaciers and deep blue fjords if the flight takes a northerly Great Circle route.
Aurora Borealis
Facing north during the dark hours of the flight provides the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
Labrador Coastline
The rugged and desolate beauty of the Canadian subarctic wilderness and sea ice.
Low Countries
Aerial views of the North Sea coastline and the intricate canal systems of the Netherlands and Belgium.
Book a window seat on the left to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, especially between September and March. The views of Greenland usually appear 4 to 5 hours into the flight; use a flight tracker to time your wake-up call. Keep your window shade down during sleep periods to avoid the early sunrise glare typical of eastbound flights.
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Get eSIMs for GermanyLake Ontario
Expansive views of the Great Lakes and the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario.
St. Lawrence River
Follow the path of the massive waterway that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Irish Coast
The first sight of Europe often features the emerald green fields and rugged cliffs of Southern Ireland.
Rhine River Valley
Historic castles and sprawling vineyards along the river as you enter German airspace.
Frankfurt Skyline
A clear view of the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers and the Main River during the final descent into FRA.
The right side offers better views of the southern UK and the European mainland if the route stays south. On approach to Frankfurt, this side frequently offers the best view of the city's financial district if landing from the east. It is also the 'darker' side during the morning sun, which may be more comfortable for those sensitive to light.
Book Hotels in FrankfurtDistance: 6,679 km (4,150 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 51 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
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