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MEM destination photo
DTW destination photo

MEMDTW

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior urban views including the Memphis and Cincinnati skylines, plus a scenic approach over Lake Erie.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏟️

Memphis Skyline

The iconic Pyramid and downtown skyscrapers visible immediately after departure from MEM.

🛶

Land Between the Lakes

Large-scale views of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley spanning the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

🌉

Cincinnati Riverfront

Clear views of the Ohio River, professional sports stadiums, and the bridges of the Queen City.

🏢

Columbus Urban Area

The dense downtown core of Ohio's capital city is often visible from cruising altitude.

🚤

Lake Erie Coast

Stunning views of the lake's western basin and the Detroit River mouth on final approach.

Book a window seat on the right for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Appalachian foothills in the distance. During the arrival into DTW, this side typically offers a panoramic view of the Detroit River and Grosse Ile. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for the best view of the Memphis bridge system.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🌊

Mississippi River

View of the upper delta region's winding waterways shortly after takeoff from Memphis.

🚜

Kentucky Farmland

The geometric patterns of agricultural fields and rural communities across western Kentucky.

✈️

Dayton Metro Area

Pass over the birthplace of aviation and the sprawling Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

🏙️

Toledo Skyline

A view of the Maumee River and the industrial infrastructure of Toledo during the descent.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. On clear nights, this side provides an excellent view of the grid-like lighting of small Midwestern towns. Look for the massive industrial complexes near the Michigan-Ohio border during the final 15 minutes of the flight.

Top Activities in Detroit
Route Information

Distance: 982 km (610 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min

Departure: MEM (35.04240036010742, -89.97669982910156)

Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)

Route Type: Domestic

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