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DTW destination photo
IAH destination photo

DTW β†’ IAH

Our Recommendation
7.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the Detroit skyline upon departure and more dramatic vistas of the Mississippi River's meandering path through the heartland, plus the benefit of avoiding direct southern sun glare on many flight timings.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
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Detroit Skyline

Sweeping views of the Renaissance Center and downtown Detroit shortly after wheels up from DTW.

🚜

Midwest Grids

The perfectly manicured geometric patchworks of Ohio and Indiana farmland stretching to the horizon.

πŸ—ΊοΈ

Mississippi River

Major views of the nation's largest river, often crossing near Memphis or Cairo where the Ohio and Mississippi converge.

🌲

Sam Houston Forest

Dense, lush green canopies of the East Texas Piney Woods visible during the initial descent phase.

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Houston Skyline

Depending on the wind and landing direction, you may get a clear view of the downtown skyscrapers and the Uptown/Galleria area.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to witness spectacular sunsets over the Arkansas and Texas landscapes. Look for the Mississippi River roughly 60-80 minutes into the flight; it is the most significant geographic landmark on this route. During landing, this side often sees the master-planned communities of The Woodlands north of Houston.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Lake Erie Shoreline

Aerial views of the western basin of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Detroit River immediately after takeoff.

🎸

Nashville Basin

Glances of the Cumberland River and the rolling hills of middle Tennessee as the flight heads south.

🌾

Mississippi Delta

The unique, oxbow-heavy patterns of the lower Mississippi River floodplain as you move toward Louisiana.

🚀

Lake Houston

A sprawling reservoir that often marks the final turn into the landing pattern for IAH.

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Port of Houston

Distant views of the massive industrial shipping complex near the Gulf of Mexico during the descent.

Sit on the left side for morning departures to keep the sun behind you and capture the best colors over the Tennessee valley. This side is also excellent for spotting Lake Houston during the standard 'Arrival 4' approach pattern into IAH.

Top Activities in Houston
Route Information

Distance: 1,731 km (1,076 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 18 min

Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)

Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Route Type: Domestic

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