Loading map...
DTW → SYR
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (Syracuse)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an exceptional perspective of the iconic Finger Lakes region and the sweeping southern coastline of Lake Erie.
Lake Erie South Shore
Scenic views of the coastline stretching from Toledo past Cleveland and toward the city of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Finger Lakes Region
The primary highlight, offering stunning vistas of the long, narrow glacial lakes including Canandaigua, Seneca, and Cayuga.
NY Agricultural Patchwork
A beautiful grid-like pattern of rural farmlands and rolling hills characteristic of Western and Central New York.
Syracuse Final Approach
Excellent views of Onondaga Lake and the JMA Wireless Dome as the aircraft maneuvers for landing at SYR.
The right side is the definitive choice for viewing the Finger Lakes. To maximize the view, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the deep blue water and the vibrant green (or autumn orange) topography. During landing, this side often provides a better look at the downtown Syracuse area if the wind is favoring an approach from the west.
Detroit Skyline
Clear views of the Renaissance Center, the Detroit River, and the Ambassador Bridge shortly after takeoff from DTW.
Lake St. Clair
Observation of the international border between Michigan and Ontario across the heart of the Great Lakes waterway.
Lake Ontario Coast
The northern horizon features the vast blue expanse of Lake Ontario as the flight cruises toward Central New York.
Rochester Metro
Views of the High Falls on the Genesee River and the urban center of Rochester during the initial descent phase.
Sit on the left for departures toward the east to see the downtown Detroit skyline. For late afternoon flights, this side is shielded from the direct glare of the southern sun, making it easier to spot the distant shoreline of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River mouth.
Distance: 601 km (373 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: SYR (43.11119842529297, -76.1063003540039)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.