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DTW → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this transatlantic route, offering potential views of the Northern Lights during the overnight crossing and better sightings of the rugged Canadian Maritimes and the Irish coastline upon arrival.
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St. Lawrence River
Aerial views of the massive waterway separating Ontario and New York, then cutting through Quebec.
Newfoundland Coastline
The dramatic, rocky cliffs and deep fjords of eastern Canada before heading out over the Atlantic.
Aurora Borealis
On night flights during winter months, the northern-facing windows provide the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
Irish West Coast
The first glimpse of Europe often features the rugged green cliffs and bays of Western Ireland.
Wembley Stadium
The iconic white arch of England's national stadium is frequently visible on northern arrival paths into LHR.
Choose the left side for night flights to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis over the North Atlantic. Keep your window shade open about 3-4 hours into the flight. On arrival, if the wind is from the west, you may get a sweeping view of the northern London suburbs and the stadium districts during the descent.
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Toronto Skyline
Shortly after takeoff, look across Lake Ontario to see the CN Tower and the Toronto financial district.
Atlantic Sunrise
Experience a compressed and vibrant sunrise as the plane flies east toward the morning sun.
Celtic Sea
Views of shipping lanes and the deep blue waters south of the Republic of Ireland and Wales.
Central London Landmarks
Depending on the approach pattern, you may see the London Eye, the Shard, and the Thames winding through the city.
Windsor Castle
On final approach to Heathrow's southern runways, the historic royal residence is often visible just miles from the airport.
The right side is best for those who enjoy watching the sunrise, which occurs much faster than usual due to the aircraft's eastbound speed. For the best views of central London landmarks, pray for a 'River' approach from the east; if the plane circles in the southern holding stacks, you will have a front-row seat to the city's skyline.
Book Hotels in LondonDistance: 6,044 km (3,756 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 7 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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