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RDU → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Detroit River and the iconic downtown skyline during the descent into Michigan, along with expansive vistas of the Great Lakes shoreline.
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Ohio River Bends
Watch the massive river snake through the valley, marking the transition from West Virginia to Ohio.
Lake Erie Coastline
Enjoy panoramic views of the western basin of Lake Erie and its industrial shipping lanes during the approach.
Detroit Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Renaissance Center, the downtown core, and the Ambassador Bridge on arrival.
Grosse Ile
Spot the historic island at the mouth of the Detroit River, a key landmark just moments before touchdown.
The right side is essential for the best skyline views. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, providing perfectly lit conditions for photography of the Detroit River and the city's architectural landmarks.
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Appalachian Ridges
View the dense forests and rugged terrain of the Appalachian Plateau as you cross Virginia and West Virginia.
Charleston, WV
The gold-domed state capitol building is often visible nestled in the narrow Kanawha River valley.
Midwest Farmland
Observe the geometric patchwork of central Ohio's agricultural heartland as the terrain flattens out.
Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sunlight play over the Appalachian ridges. Choosing a seat forward of the wing ensures the most unobstructed views of the mountains and the state capital.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 807 km (501 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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