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LAX โ DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent view of the spectacular red rock formations of the Utah canyons and the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains, while also avoiding direct sun glare for much of the eastbound journey.
San Gabriel Mountains
Sharp, rugged granite peaks of the Angeles National Forest visible immediately after the initial climb from LAX.
Mojave National Preserve
A vast expanse of desert scenery featuring volcanic cinder cones, Joshua Tree forests, and sprawling dry lake beds.
Utah Canyonlands
Exceptional views of the tiered red rock plateaus near the Zion and Bryce Canyon regions in Southern Utah.
Central Rockies
Direct views of the high-altitude, snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide as you cross into Colorado.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
The dramatic visual transition from the deep blue water of the Great Lakes to the lush greenery of the Michigan coast.
Michigan Wilderness
Dense forest canopies and a network of small inland lakes during the final descent into the Detroit area.
Choose the left side for morning or midday departures to keep the sun behind the aircraft, resulting in better contrast for photography. Keep a sharp eye out approximately 45 minutes into the flight for the transition from the Mojave Desert to the vibrant red rocks of the Utah-Arizona border.
Inland Empire
A sweeping view of the urban sprawl and suburban grid of the San Bernardino Valley shortly after takeoff.
Lake Mead & Hoover Dam
The striking blue water of the reservoir and the massive concrete structure of the dam near the Nevada border.
Grand Canyon
Though often distant to the south, the immense scale of the canyon's eastern reaches is frequently visible on clear days.
The Heartland Quilt
The mesmerizing geometric patterns of circular irrigation and farmland stretching across Nebraska and Iowa.
Chicago Skyline
A stunning view of the Willis Tower and the downtown lakefront if the flight path tracks across Southern Lake Michigan.
Lake Erie & Detroit River
Views of the international border with Canada and the islands of the Western Basin during the approach.
The right side is ideal for catching the Hoover Dam shortly after reaching cruising altitude. On afternoon flights, be prepared for some direct sun glare, but you will be rewarded with a beautiful sunset view over the Midwestern plains as you approach Detroit.
Distance: 3,178 km (1,975 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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