DTW to CLT Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Detroit to Charlotte flight turbulent?

The DTW–CLT route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on DTW to CLT?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

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

The DTW to CLT flight takes approximately 1h 2m.

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

Live forecast

DTW

→

CLT

Detroit · Charlotte · 1h 2m

5.2

Turb Score

1h 2m

Duration

435 nm

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

light-moderate

Typical

⚠️ light-moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DTW–CLT

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 2m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the DTW–CLT route

The Detroit to Charlotte domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 500 miles at around 33,000 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 American, Delta, Spirit on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 500 miles (435 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on DTW–CLT

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–CLT

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on DTW–CLT

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

CLT → DTW

Charlotte → Detroit

light-moderate

See all us domestic flights →

All DTW routes→ All CLT routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Detroit to Charlotte flight turbulent?

The DTW–CLT route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.2/100.

When is turbulence worst on DTW to CLT?

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 CLT?

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 CLT?

The DTW to CLT flight takes approximately 1h 2m, covering 500 miles (435 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly DTW to CLT?

The main airlines operating this route are American, Delta, Spirit, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 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