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DTW → TUL
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Tulsa International Airport (Tulsa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the St. Louis skyline, the Gateway Arch, and the rolling terrain of the Ozark Plateau as you enter the southwest region.
Detroit & Windsor Skyline
Aerial views of the Detroit River, the Renaissance Center, and the international border with Canada immediately after takeoff.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The most iconic landmark on the route, visible as the flight passes over or just north of the city where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet.
Ozark National Forest
As the plane enters the final third of the journey, watch for the dense forests and rugged hills of the Ozark Plateau.
Arkansas River
The winding path of the Arkansas River becomes visible as the aircraft begins its descent into the Tulsa metropolitan area.
Book a morning flight to ensure the sun is behind the aircraft, providing perfectly lit views of St. Louis. During October and November, the left side is spectacular for viewing the changing autumn colors across the Missouri and Oklahoma forests.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Depending on the departure path, the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes may be visible to the north.
Midwestern Heartland
Expansive views of the geometric 'quilt' patterns of Indiana and Illinois farmland, showing distinct seasonal color shifts.
Mississippi River Crossing
A clear view of the massive river as it forms the border between Illinois and Missouri, often dotted with industrial barge traffic.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. In winter, look for interesting ice formations along the southern Michigan lakefront during the initial climb.
Distance: 1,268 km (788 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 41 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: TUL (36.19839859008789, -95.88809967041016)
Route Type: Domestic
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