Loading map...
DTW โ LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior arrival experience, offering iconic views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and often a spectacular sweep past the Las Vegas Strip depending on landing patterns.
Mississippi River
Cross the massive winding artery of the United States as you transition from the Midwest to the Great Plains.
Southern Rockies
View the snow-capped peaks of southern Colorado, including the vicinity of Pikes Peak, as the terrain rises dramatically.
Lake Mead
The massive blue expanse of North America's largest reservoir creates a sharp contrast against the red desert floor.
Hoover Dam
A clear aerial perspective of this engineering marvel and the Mike O'CallaghanโPat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
The Las Vegas Strip
On the standard 'Right Downwind' approach, the left side looks directly down at the mega-resorts and the Sphere.
Choose the left side for the best chance of seeing the Strip and Hoover Dam. Note that on morning flights, the sun will be on the left (south) side of the plane, potentially causing glare; mid-to-late afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photography of the Nevada landscape.
Lake Michigan
Shortly after takeoff, catch views of the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the sprawl of the Chicago metro area to the north.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Stunning vistas of the highest peaks in the Colorado Rockies as the flight path crosses north of Denver.
Utah Red Rocks
View the incredible erosion patterns and deep orange hues of Canyonlands and the San Rafael Swell.
Valley of Fire
Just before descent, look for the vibrant Aztec Sandstone formations that appear to glow red in the sunlight.
The right side is excellent for northern scenery and generally stays in the shade on westbound flights, making it easier to see out the window without squinting. It offers better views of the rugged Utah wilderness and the high desert plateaus before reaching Nevada.
Distance: 2,808 km (1,745 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 45 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.