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RIC → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Richmond International Airport (Richmond) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a stunning transition from the Appalachian ridges to the expansive waters of Lake Erie and a prime view of the Detroit skyline during the approach.
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Potomac River Valley
Distant views of the winding river and the outer suburbs of the D.C. metro area.
Appalachian Ridges
Dramatic parallel mountain ridges that define the geography of the Eastern US.
Lake Erie
Expansive views of the Great Lake's coastline and islands during the descent.
Detroit Skyline
A grand view of the Renaissance Center and the Ambassador Bridge on final approach.
The right side is the clear winner for the approach into DTW. Depending on the wind, you will likely fly over or parallel to the Lake Erie shoreline. In winter, look for ice formations on the lake. For the best view of the Detroit-Windsor border, sit on this side and try to fly during the golden hour for spectacular reflections off the lake.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
Scenic views of the iconic blue-hued ridges stretching across western Virginia.
Monongahela National Forest
Deep green valleys and rugged plateau terrain of West Virginia's wilderness.
Midwest Farmlands
Geometric patterns and patchwork fields as the terrain flattens into Ohio.
Choose the left side for optimal lighting during morning flights to avoid the direct eastern sun. It offers a great perspective of the transition from the mountains to the flat plains of the Midwest. Watch for the Ohio River snaking through the landscape mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 734 km (456 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 13 min
Departure: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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