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IAD → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Appalachian ridgelines, the sprawling Lake Erie coastline, and the impressive Detroit city skyline during the final descent.
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Potomac River Bend
Excellent views of the winding Potomac River and the dense forests of northern Maryland.
Allegheny Mountains
Fly over the highest parts of the Mid-Atlantic mountain range with deep-cut river valleys.
Pittsburgh Horizon
The steel city skyline is often visible to the north during the mid-portion of the flight.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Extensive views of the Great Lakes coast, including beaches and industrial ports.
Cleveland Skyline
A clear view of the Terminal Tower and Key Tower as the plane skirts the lakefront.
Detroit River & City
A prime view of the Renaissance Center and the international border with Windsor, Ontario.
The right side is the premier choice for this route. Sit toward the front to avoid wing obstruction when viewing the Lake Erie shoreline. Evening flights are particularly beautiful as the sun sets over the water. During the final approach, the aircraft often turns over the Detroit River, providing a spectacular close-up of the downtown skyline and the Ambassador Bridge.
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Shenandoah Valley
View the lush greenery and agricultural patchwork of the famous valley shortly after takeoff.
Appalachian Ridges
Observe the unique 'ridge and valley' geological formations of West Virginia and Maryland.
Ohio Farmlands
A geometric tapestry of industrial-scale farming as the flight crosses the Ohio border.
Monroe Power Plant
Visible near the Michigan border, this is one of the largest fossil-fueled plants in the US.
Western Lake Erie
A glimpse of the southern marshes and inlets near the Maumee Bay area.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun at your back and reduce glare. Watch for the distinct transition from the rugged Appalachian terrain to the flat, organized grids of the Midwest. Keep an eye out for the massive cooling towers near Monroe, Michigan, which serve as a major landmark for the descent into Detroit.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 616 km (383 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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