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DTW → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Lake Erie shoreline, the Cleveland skyline, and the most iconic approach views of the Philadelphia Center City skyscrapers.
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Detroit Skyline
Aerial view of the Renaissance Center and the Detroit River shortly after departure from DTW.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Panoramic views across the lake and the coastal cities of Ohio, including Cedar Point.
Cleveland Skyline
Visibility of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the downtown skyline while cruising at altitude.
Appalachian Ridges
Dramatic views of the folded mountain ridges of the Allegheny Plateau in central Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Center City
Exceptional views of the Comcast Center and Liberty Place during the final approach into PHL.
For the best experience, sit on the left to see the Philly skyline. On morning flights, this side remains in the shade, providing better conditions for photography without window glare. Watch for the Susquehanna River roughly 25 minutes before landing.
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DTW Complex
Extensive views of the McNamara Terminal and the airport's runway configuration during climb-out.
Midwestern Heartland
Geometric patterns of agricultural fields stretching across northern Ohio and Western PA.
Susquehanna River
The wide, island-dotted river corridor near Harrisburg as the flight enters eastern Pennsylvania.
Main Line Suburbs
Bird's-eye view of the historic and densely forested suburbs of West Philadelphia.
South Philly Sports Complex
A direct look at Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park just seconds before touchdown.
The right side is ideal for sunset viewing on evening flights. Keep your camera ready during the final 2 minutes of the flight; if landing on Runway 9, you will get a perfect view of the professional sports stadiums just before the wheels hit the tarmac.
Book Hotels in PhiladelphiaDistance: 728 km (452 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 13 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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