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LAX destination photo
DTW destination photo

LAX โ†’ DTW

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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San Gabriel Mountains

Sharp, rugged granite peaks of the Angeles National Forest visible immediately after the initial climb from LAX.

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Mojave National Preserve

A vast expanse of desert scenery featuring volcanic cinder cones, Joshua Tree forests, and sprawling dry lake beds.

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Utah Canyonlands

Exceptional views of the tiered red rock plateaus near the Zion and Bryce Canyon regions in Southern Utah.

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Central Rockies

Direct views of the high-altitude, snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide as you cross into Colorado.

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Lake Michigan Shoreline

The dramatic visual transition from the deep blue water of the Great Lakes to the lush greenery of the Michigan coast.

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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.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
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Inland Empire

A sweeping view of the urban sprawl and suburban grid of the San Bernardino Valley shortly after takeoff.

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Lake Mead & Hoover Dam

The striking blue water of the reservoir and the massive concrete structure of the dam near the Nevada border.

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Grand Canyon

Though often distant to the south, the immense scale of the canyon's eastern reaches is frequently visible on clear days.

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The Heartland Quilt

The mesmerizing geometric patterns of circular irrigation and farmland stretching across Nebraska and Iowa.

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Chicago Skyline

A stunning view of the Willis Tower and the downtown lakefront if the flight path tracks across Southern Lake Michigan.

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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.

Top Activities in Detroit
Route Information

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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