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HPN → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Westchester County Airport (White Plains) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the scenic Hudson Valley, the northern Appalachian ranges, and a beautiful transition over Lake Erie into the Detroit River region.
Hudson Valley
Stunning views of the winding Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge shortly after takeoff.
Catskill Mountains
The rugged, forested peaks of the Catskill Park provide dramatic topography during the climb to cruise altitude.
Southern Finger Lakes
Visuals of the narrow, glacial lake tips stretching north into central New York state.
Lake Erie Vistas
Expansive views of the open water and the Canadian shoreline of Ontario as you approach Michigan.
Detroit River & Windsor
Clear views of the Ambassador Bridge and the international border between Detroit and Windsor, Canada, during descent.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights as the low sun illuminates the Hudson Valley and the Great Lakes. During the final approach to DTW, keep your camera ready for the unique layout of the Detroit River and Belle Isle Park.
Manhattan Skyline
On departure from HPN, look south to see the distant but iconic silhouettes of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
Delaware Water Gap
A prominent notch in the Appalachian Mountains where the Delaware River cuts through the ridge on the PA-NJ border.
Allegheny National Forest
Vast expanses of deep green timberland stretching across the northern Pennsylvania plateau.
Cleveland Shoreline
If the flight path stays south of the lake, you will see the urban layout and stadiums of downtown Cleveland along the coast.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. This side is better for spotting the geometric patterns of the Pennsylvania Wilds and the industrial landscape of the southern Lake Erie coast.
Distance: 811 km (504 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: HPN (41.06700134277344, -73.70760345458984)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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