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TYS → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Lake Erie shoreline and a scenic approach overlooking the Detroit River and the downtown skyline of both Detroit and Windsor.
Daniel Boone National Forest
Dense forest canopies and winding rivers throughout eastern Kentucky offer a lush green landscape early in the flight.
Lake Erie Shoreline
As the plane descends, enjoy expansive views of the Lake Erie coast, including the islands near Put-in-Bay on clear days.
Detroit Riverfront
Experience a dramatic view of the Renaissance Center and the international border between Detroit and Windsor, Canada.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare. The highlight is the final approach into DTW; if the plane lands toward the north, you will get a perfect view of the Detroit skyline and the busy shipping lanes of the Detroit River.
Cumberland Plateau
Observe the rugged terrain and deeply dissected valleys of the plateau shortly after departing Knoxville.
Cincinnati Skyline
Depending on the specific airway, catch a glimpse of the Queen City and its distinct bridges over the Ohio River.
Midwestern Grids
Expansive views of the perfectly geometric agricultural patterns across central and northern Ohio.
Sit on the left if you prefer looking toward the sunset on evening flights. Watch for the Ohio River crossing about halfway through the trip, which marks the transition from the rolling hills of Kentucky to the flat plains of Ohio.
Distance: 714 km (444 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 11 min
Departure: TYS (35.81100082, -83.99400329999999)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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