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MBS → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from MBS International Airport (Saginaw) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Great Lakes coastline, including Saginaw Bay and a higher probability of seeing the Detroit city skyline during the descent into DTW.
Saginaw Bay
Aerial views of the southern tip of Lake Huron and the Bay City shoreline shortly after takeoff.
Flint Metro Area
A clear view of the urban sprawl of Flint as the flight heads south-southeast.
Lake St. Clair
Glimpses of the blue waters separating Michigan from Ontario, Canada, on the final approach.
Detroit Skyline
Panoramic views of the Renaissance Center and downtown skyscrapers depending on the landing pattern.
Ambassador Bridge
The iconic suspension bridge connecting the US and Canada is often visible during the base leg of the approach.
Choose the left side for the iconic skyline views. Since this flight is extremely short (often under 30 minutes in the air), keep your window shade up from takeoff to landing. Morning flights are best for the left side to see the sun reflecting off the Great Lakes.
Mid-Michigan Farmland
The classic 'patchwork quilt' appearance of Michigan's rich agricultural heartland.
State Recreation Areas
Passing over several wooded state parks and small inland lakes north of the metro area.
Oakland County Suburbs
A birds-eye view of the sprawling residential developments and golf courses of northern Detroit.
Ford Rouge Complex
The massive historic industrial site in Dearborn is visible just before touching down at DTW.
DTW Runway Layout
Excellent views of the massive airport infrastructure and terminal complexes during the final flare.
The right side is perfect for those interested in Michigan's industrial heritage and inland geography. It is also the better side for afternoon flights to avoid the glare of the eastern sun. Watch for the intricate cloverleaf interchanges of the Detroit freeway system.
Distance: 158 km (98 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 16 min
Departure: MBS (43.532901763916016, -84.07959747314453)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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