Loading map...
DTW → SJU
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route because it offers the iconic view of Old San Juan and the historic El Morro fortress during the final approach into SJU, which is the highlight of the trip.
Search flights from DTW to SJU
Lake Erie Shoreline
Immediately after takeoff from DTW, views of the southern Great Lakes shoreline are visible.
Mid-Atlantic Cities
Glimpse the lights of Richmond and the I-95 corridor while cruising south over the Eastern Seaboard.
The Outer Banks
See the distinct thin line of North Carolina's barrier islands as the flight path transitions over the Atlantic.
Atlantic Horizon
On early morning departures, this side provides a front-row seat to a spectacular sunrise over the open ocean.
San Felipe del Morro
The definitive view of the historic 16th-century citadel and the colorful streets of Old San Juan on descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic. During the final 10 minutes of the flight, keep your camera ready as the plane banks along the northern coast of Puerto Rico, providing a perfect angle of the historic forts and the turquoise coastline.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for Puerto Rico
Appalachian Mountains
Fly over the rolling, lush green ridges of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
Charlotte Skyline
A clear view of the North Carolina hub city is often possible during the first half of the journey.
Turks and Caicos
Depending on the specific oceanic track, you may spot the bright turquoise waters of the Lucayan Archipelago.
Cordillera Central
View the rugged, emerald-green mountain spine that runs through the heart of Puerto Rico during landing.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers better views of the inland topography of Puerto Rico, including the dense tropical forests of the interior. Watch for the sudden change from deep blue ocean to the vibrant shallow reefs of the Caribbean islands.
Book Hotels in San JuanDistance: 3,110 km (1,932 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 40 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.