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DTW → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for the iconic approach into Chicago, often offering a sweeping panorama of the downtown skyline, Willis Tower, and the Lake Michigan shoreline before landing.
Search flights from DTW to ORD
Detroit Suburbs
Aerial views of the sprawling metro area and the industrial landscape of Southeast Michigan shortly after takeoff.
Lake Michigan Crossing
A brief but scenic flight over the deep blue waters of the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Gary Steel Mills
The massive industrial complexes and heavy manufacturing plants along the Indiana shoreline.
Chicago Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and the dense cluster of skyscrapers in the Loop.
Navy Pier
The iconic landmark jutting into the lake is often visible during the final descent patterns.
Book a window seat on the left for the best chance to see the Chicago skyline. Morning flights offer excellent lighting on the buildings, while evening flights showcase the city lights. Be aware that landing direction depends on wind; an approach from the east provides the best lakefront views.
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Ann Arbor
Look for the University of Michigan campus and the massive 'Big House' football stadium just west of Detroit.
Michigan Farmland
A patchwork quilt of agricultural fields and small woodlots across the central Michigan peninsula.
St. Joseph Pier
The scenic North Pier lighthouse and white sand beaches of the Michigan 'Gold Coast'.
Cook County Preserves
The green belts and forest preserves that ring the northwestern Chicago suburbs.
O'Hare Terminals
A great top-down view of the complex runway layout and terminal architecture during taxi and arrival.
The right side is great for spotting Ann Arbor early in the flight. If the plane approaches O'Hare from the north, you may see the northern suburbs and the botanic gardens. It is generally better for sunset views on evening flights as the sun will be to the west/northwest.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 376 km (234 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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