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MEX → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for the iconic volcanic views upon departure from Mexico City and the picturesque approach over Lake Erie and the Detroit River corridor.
Search flights from MEX to DTW
Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl
Breathtaking views of the snow-capped volcanoes towering over the Valley of Mexico during ascent.
Mexico City Sprawl
An incredible perspective on the sheer scale of one of the world's most populous metropolitan areas.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding artery of the United States as it snakes through the central corridor.
Ohio River Valley
The scenic border between the Southern U.S. and the Midwest, often marked by heavy barge traffic.
Lake Erie & Detroit River
A beautiful descent over the Great Lakes, featuring the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit skyline.
The right side is essential for seeing the volcanoes near MEX, which are often clearer in the early morning before smog or clouds build up. During the final approach to DTW, the right side typically offers the best view of the Detroit River and the international border with Canada. Use a polarized filter for photos to cut through the haze over the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes.
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Sierra Madre Oriental
Stunning views of the rugged mountain ridges of eastern Mexico shortly after takeoff.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
A clear view of the sprawling North Texas urban landscape as the flight enters the U.S.
Ozark National Forest
Deep green forested plateaus and winding river valleys across Arkansas and Missouri.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Depending on the specific airway, the iconic silver arch may be visible on the banks of the Mississippi.
Midwestern Mosaic
A geometric patchwork of agricultural fields across Illinois and Indiana.
Sit on the left for better views of the Texas Hill Country and the urban centers of the American Midwest. Morning flights provide excellent front-lit views of the terrain as the sun rises in the east. If the flight path takes a more westerly route, you might catch the Chicago skyline in the distance before descending into Detroit.
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,933 km (1,822 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 55 min
Departure: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: International
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