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DTW to ATL Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
DTW
→
ATL
Detroit · Atlanta · 2h
5.2
Turb Score
2h
Duration
594 nm
Distance
34,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DTW–ATL

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the DTW–ATL route

The Detroit to Atlanta domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 683 miles at around 34,000 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 on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 34,000 feet over a distance of 683 miles (594 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on DTW–ATL

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 DTW–ATL

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on DTW–ATL

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–14
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 15-22
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 23+
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

DTW to ATL turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

ATL → ORD
Atlanta → Chicago
Light
DTW → JFK
Detroit → New York
light-moderate
ATL → MSP
Atlanta → Minneapolis
light-moderate
See all us domestic flights →
All DTW routes→ All ATL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Detroit to Atlanta flight turbulent?
The DTW–ATL route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.2/100.
When is turbulence worst on DTW to ATL?
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 DTW to ATL?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from DTW to ATL?
The DTW to ATL flight takes approximately 2h, covering 683 miles (594 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly DTW to ATL?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft.