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DTW → MIA
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Miami International Airport (Miami)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this North-to-South route as it offers a front-row seat to the Atlantic coastline, Lake Okeechobee, and the iconic Miami skyline and beaches during the final approach.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Catch views of the southern shores of Lake Erie and the Cleveland metro area shortly after departing Detroit.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Soar over the rolling peaks of the Appalachian range through West Virginia and North Carolina.
Lake Okeechobee
A massive view of Florida's largest freshwater lake as you begin your descent into the South Florida region.
Florida Gold Coast
Enjoy the turquoise waters and dense coastal development of West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Miami Skyline & Port
Breathtaking views of the downtown skyscrapers, the Port of Miami cruise ships, and South Beach before landing.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views if flying early in the morning. During the landing phase at MIA, planes typically land facing West, meaning the left side faces the city and the ocean. Watch for the Kennedy Space Center far in the distance as you pass Central Florida.
Ohio River Valley
Vast stretches of Midwestern farmland and the winding Ohio River early in the flight.
Great Smoky Mountains
Distal views of the hazy peaks and dense forests of the Smokies as you pass through the Tennessee/Carolina border.
Atlanta Suburbs
If the flight path is slightly inland, you can spot the sprawling metropolitan reach of Northern Georgia.
The Everglades
As you approach Miami from the north, look for the vast, dark green wetlands of the Florida Everglades to the west.
The right side is ideal for sunset views on late afternoon flights. It provides a more expansive look at the inland geography and the unique swamp ecosystems of Florida. If the airport is using an East-facing landing pattern, this side may see the airport perimeter first.
Distance: 1,847 km (1,148 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 28 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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