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JAX → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Jacksonville International Airport (Jacksonville) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Appalachian mountain ranges and the rolling industrial landscapes of the Midwest, providing a more consistent variety of terrain.
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Appalachian Mountains
Breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains with their dense forest cover and rolling ridges.
Columbus Metro
A clear bird's-eye view of the Ohio state capital and its surrounding suburban sprawl mid-flight.
Ohio River Valley
The transition from rugged mountains to the geometric patterns of the fertile Ohio agricultural heartland.
Ann Arbor
As the plane begins its final descent, the sprawling University of Michigan campus is often visible.
For the best mountain views, aim for a morning flight to have the sun behind you. Sit mid-cabin or forward to avoid engine heat distortion over the mountains. Keep an eye out about 45 minutes into the flight for the start of the Appalachian ridge lines.
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Carolina Coastline
Early in the flight, catch glimpses of the intricate marshes and lagoons of the Georgia and South Carolina coast.
Charlotte Metro
Distant views of the Queen City's uptown skyline as you pass through the Piedmont region.
Lake Erie Coast
Stunning views of the Great Lakes shoreline and the islands near Put-in-Bay during the descent.
Detroit River & Skyline
On southern approach patterns, see the iconic Renaissance Center and the bridge to Canada.
The right side is prime for Great Lakes scenery. If you are flying in the late afternoon, the 'Golden Hour' provides incredible reflections off Lake Erie. During winter, look for ice formations along the shoreline as you cross into Michigan airspace.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 1,311 km (815 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min
Departure: JAX (30.49410057067871, -81.68789672851562)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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