Welcome to the United States! If you are an international traveler and have landed in Detroit, you’re in for an exciting adventure as you make your way to the vibrant and historically significant city of Washington, D.C. In this article, we’ll take you through the journey from Detroit to the nation’s capital, providing an American’s perspective on domestic travel and some helpful tips to ensure you have a memorable and smooth trip.
A Major Hub of Mid-West area
If you are an international traveler en route to Washington, D.C., with a connecting flight through Detroit, this article will guide you through a smooth and seamless journey. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a major hub in the United States, offering excellent connectivity and services to make your travel experience enjoyable. Let’s explore the essential steps to ensure your connecting flight is hassle-free and stress-free.
Check Your Itinerary
Before departing from your origin country, verify your itinerary to ensure you have a connecting flight through Detroit. Make a note of your arrival and departure gates, as well as the time between your flights. It’s always advisable to have at least a couple of hours between connecting flights to account for potential delays or security checks.

Enjoyable Scenery on the Flight from Detroit to Reagan Airport
The flight from Detroit to Reagan Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours, but along this route, you’ll encounter diverse and captivating scenery.
Most domestic flights to Washington, D.C. depart from the east side of the McNamara Terminal’s runway, 21R/3L. Shortly after takeoff, you’ll have a stunning view of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. If you’re seated on the left side of the plane, you’ll be able to see Canada on the opposite shore. It’s a unique experience to witness the landscape of a different country from the airplane, something that would be unimaginable in your country.

As you pass over Lake Erie, you’ll soon come across a mesmerizing sight of thin, dark green lines overlapping one another. This is the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch along the East Coast and are affectionately known for their bluish appearance from a distance.
Speaking of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you might recall John Denver’s song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” when thinking about them. The Blue Ridge Mountains mentioned in the song are exactly the ones you’ll be flying over, and the views from Shenandoah National Park, in particular, are simply breathtaking.

While you can opt for an optional tour from Washington, D.C. to Shenandoah National Park, experiencing the park from both ground level and the sky will create even more precious memories.
After crossing the Appalachian Mountains, the plane will begin its descent and initiate the approach to Reagan Airport.
A Domestic Flight with Unique Scenery in the United States
The distance from Detroit to Washington, D.C., on a domestic flight is considerably shorter than international flights, so there may not be a great need to leave your seat during the flight.
However, for this particular route, I highly recommend choosing a window seat even for those who typically prefer aisle seats. The flight time is relatively short, and having a window seat allows you to enjoy the diverse American scenery, enriching your travel memories further.
While non-stop flights offer convenience, occasionally opting for a connecting flight allows you to enjoy the journey to Washington, D.C., from different perspectives.
Overall, the domestic flight between Detroit and Reagan Airport offers a delightful mix of landscapes, making it a memorable experience for any traveler.