When is the Charleston to Detroit route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the CHS to DTW route?

The CHS–DTW route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on CHS to DTW dangerous?

No — turbulence on the CHS–DTW route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my CHS to DTW flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the CHS–DTW route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

CHS to DTW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Charleston to Detroit flight turbulent?

The CHS–DTW route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on CHS to DTW?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from CHS to DTW?

The CHS to DTW flight takes approximately 1h 50m, covering 669 miles (581 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Charleston to Detroit flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

CHS

→

DTW

Charleston · Detroit · 1h 50m

Turb Score

1h 50m

Duration

581 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for CHS–DTW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 50m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the CHS–DTW route

The Charleston to Detroit domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 669 miles at around 35,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 669 miles (581 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Charleston to Detroit Flight Time

How long is the flight from CHS to DTW?

1h 50m

Flight Time

669 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Charleston (CHS) to Detroit (DTW) flight takes approximately 1h 50m, covering 669 miles (581 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on CHS–DTW

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

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Best time to fly CHS–DTW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on CHS–DTW

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–11

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 12–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

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When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

I always expect the worst on longer flights but this one surprised me. Very little turbulence, only a few small bumps on descent. Manageable even for me.

Nervous flyer · May

Did Charleston to Detroit last December and it was genuinely one of the smoothest long-haul flights I've had. Barely any movement the whole way.

Frequent flyer · December

Totally smooth March flight. The seatbelt sign came on once briefly over the Midwest but nothing actually happened. Great trip.

Leisure traveler · March

All CHS routes→ All DTW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Charleston to Detroit flight turbulent?

The CHS–DTW route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 29/100.

When is turbulence worst on CHS to DTW?

Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on CHS to DTW?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from CHS to DTW?

The CHS to DTW flight takes approximately 1h 50m, covering 669 miles (581 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly CHS to DTW?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data