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DTW → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is generally preferred for this route because it offers the most dramatic and iconic close-up views of Mount Hood during the standard approach into Portland.
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Lake Michigan Shoreline
Aerial views of the southern Michigan coastline and the vast expanse of the lake shortly after departure.
Chicago Skyline
On clear days with a southerly flight path, the distant skyscrapers of downtown Chicago may be visible to the south.
South Dakota Badlands
The rugged, layered rock formations of the Badlands provide a stark contrast to the surrounding prairies.
Mount Hood
The highlight of the trip; a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano that appears remarkably close during the descent.
Willamette Valley
Lush green forests and agricultural land as the aircraft aligns for the final landing at PDX.
To get the best view of Mount Hood, sit on the left side (Seat A). During the late afternoon, the sun illuminates the western face of the mountain beautifully. Try to book a seat behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the Cascades as you begin your initial descent.
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Wisconsin Northwoods
A dense mosaic of thousands of small lakes and thick forests across the upper Midwest.
The Missouri River
The winding 'Big Muddy' cutting through the plains of South Dakota and Montana.
Northern Rockies
Expansive views of the jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Bitterroot Range in Montana and Idaho.
Mount St. Helens
The famous horseshoe-shaped crater and the visible path of the 1980 eruption blast zone.
Mount Adams
Washington's second-highest peak stands as a solitary, massive giant to the north of the flight path.
Columbia River Gorge
The deep, scenic canyon carved by the Columbia River, serving as the border between Oregon and Washington.
The Right Side (Seat F) is the winner for volcano enthusiasts. You get a fantastic perspective of both Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. If the plane lands to the East (during 'East Flow' traffic), the right side offers a superior view of the Portland city skyline and the Willamette River.
Book Hotels in PortlandDistance: 3,135 km (1,948 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 41 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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