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ROA → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Roanoke VA) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides provide beautiful vistas of the Appalachian Mountains, the Right Side is preferred for its superior views of the Lake Erie shoreline and the iconic Detroit skyline during the final approach.
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Monongahela National Forest
Dramatic linear ridges and deep valleys of the Allegheny Mountains offer stunning texture from above.
Lake Erie Islands
Aerial views of the western basin of Lake Erie, including Put-in-Bay and Kellys Island on clear days.
Detroit River & Skyline
The soaring Renaissance Center and the Ambassador Bridge connecting the US to Windsor, Ontario.
Downtown Detroit Stadiums
Excellent views of Ford Field and Comerica Park during the standard descent into DTW.
The right side is essential for seeing the Detroit-Windsor international border. During winter months, look for ice formations on Lake Erie. For the best mountain photography, the morning light illuminates the Appalachian ridges perfectly on this side.
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Jefferson National Forest
Dense, rolling green ridges of the Southern Appalachians immediately after takeoff from Roanoke.
Ohio River Valley
The wide, winding Ohio River serves as a major geographic landmark marking the transition into the Midwest.
Columbus Outskirts
Distal views of the Ohio state capital's metropolitan sprawl and surrounding agricultural grids.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy the warm glow of the setting sun over the West Virginia hills. It is also excellent for observing the unique 'checkerboard' patterns of Ohio's rural farmland during the mid-flight cruise.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 615 km (382 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 1 min
Departure: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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