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DTW → MSY
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Lake Pontchartrain crossing and the New Orleans skyline upon descent, as well as the initial climb-out over Detroit and the Ohio River valley.
Detroit Skyline
Aerial views of the Motor City, the Ambassador Bridge, and the Detroit River immediately after takeoff from DTW.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Sweeping views of the western basin of Lake Erie and the Monroe power plant coastline during initial ascent.
Cincinnati Waterfront
A glimpse of the Ohio River and the dense urban corridor of Cincinnati as the flight heads south.
Appalachian Foothills
Distant views of the rolling green ridges of eastern Kentucky and Tennessee in the distance to the east.
Lake Pontchartrain
The massive expanse of the lake, including the 24-mile long Causeway bridge, during the descent into MSY.
New Orleans Cityscape
Views of the Superdome and the historic French Quarter often appear on the left during the final approach patterns.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on morning flights. During descent into MSY, keep your camera ready as the plane crosses Lake Pontchartrain; the scale of the Causeway bridge is best appreciated from this side. Avoid seats directly over the wing for the most unobstructed view of the Louisiana wetlands.
Midwestern Patchwork
Crisp geometric patterns of Ohio and Indiana's vast agricultural heartland during the first half of the trip.
Mississippi River Meanders
Dramatic views of the winding river, including oxbow lakes and heavy barge traffic through Tennessee and Mississippi.
Memphis Metro
Occasional views of the Memphis skyline and the iconic 'M' bridge crossing the Mississippi River.
Delta Basin
The lush, flat alluvial plains of the Mississippi Delta, transitioning into deep southern forest land.
Atchafalaya Basin
The intricate network of bayous, swamps, and wetlands characteristic of South Louisiana during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Mississippi River. It provides a better perspective of the river's unique geographic loops (oxbows). If you prefer natural scenery and river geography over city skylines, this is the side for you.
Distance: 1,492 km (927 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Route Type: Domestic
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