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DTW → PIA
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (Peoria)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior urban views shortly after departure from Detroit, including potential glimpses of Ann Arbor, and provides the best perspective of the Illinois River valley and downtown Peoria during the final approach.
Search flights from DTW to PIA
Metro Detroit Sprawl
Excellent views of the western suburbs and the dense industrial infrastructure surrounding the airport.
Ann Arbor
Look for the massive 'Big House' Michigan Stadium and the University of Michigan campus just north of the flight path.
Lake Michigan Horizon
On very clear days at cruising altitude, the distant blue horizon of Lake Michigan is visible to the far north.
Illinois River Valley
A scenic view of the wide river valley and the Caterpillar manufacturing facilities along the banks.
Downtown Peoria
Detailed views of the Peoria skyline, the Murray Baker Bridge, and Bradley University during the descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights to catch the light reflecting off the Illinois River. Be ready with your camera approximately 10 minutes after takeoff for Ann Arbor, and again 5-8 minutes before landing for the best shots of the Peoria city center and riverfront.
Book Hotels in PeoriaLake Erie Western Basin
Aerial views of the shoreline and the mouth of the Detroit River shortly after takeoff from DTW.
Fort Wayne Skyline
The flight path often passes near this Indiana city, offering a view of its downtown and historic neighborhoods.
Midwestern Grid
Extensive views of the distinct square-mile agricultural grid system that defines the Indiana and Illinois landscape.
Wabash River
The winding path of the Wabash River as it carves through the flat agricultural plains of western Indiana.
Choose this side for morning flights to avoid direct solar glare. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition from the forested pockets of Michigan to the heavy agricultural focus of northern Indiana. In the autumn, the woodlots between fields provide vibrant patches of color against the harvest-ready gold fields.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 556 km (345 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 56 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: PIA (40.664199829100006, -89.6932983398)
Route Type: Domestic
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