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FRA → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this transatlantic crossing, offering spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands, the southern tip of the Greenland ice sheet, and the rugged, lake-filled terrain of Northern Canada.
Scottish Highlands
Rugged peaks and deep lochs are often visible as the flight leaves the European mainland.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The absolute highlight; massive glaciers and turquoise meltwater lakes are visible for nearly an hour.
Labrador Fjords
The jagged, ice-carved coastline of eastern Canada provides dramatic textures and shadows.
Canadian Boreal Forest
Endless expanses of pristine forest and thousands of small lakes across Quebec and Ontario.
Lake Huron
Vast views of the deep blue waters of Lake Huron as the plane crosses into Michigan airspace.
The starboard side provides the best lighting for photography as the sun is on the opposite side. Look out roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours after takeoff for the Greenland crossing. During winter months, if the flight is delayed into the night, this side offers the best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis.
North Sea Coast
Views of the Belgian and Dutch coastlines shortly after departure from Frankfurt.
St. Lawrence Seaway
Glimpses of the massive waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Toronto Skyline
On clear days, the distant silhouette of the CN Tower and Toronto can be seen across Lake Ontario.
Lake Erie
The flight path often passes near the northern shore of Lake Erie during the final approach phase.
Detroit River
Aerial views of the border between Windsor, Canada, and Detroit during the descent into DTW.
This side faces south, meaning you will deal with direct sunlight and glare for the majority of the westbound daytime flight. Keep the window shade partially down to prevent overheating. It is better for seeing the urban sprawl of the Great Lakes region during the final hour of flight.
Distance: 6,679 km (4,150 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 51 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: International
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