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DTW to JFK Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
DTW
→
JFK
Detroit · New York · 2h
5.3
Turb Score
2h
Duration
510 nm
Distance
33,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DTW–JFK

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the DTW–JFK route

The Detroit to New York domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 587 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 Delta, JetBlue on Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 587 miles (510 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on DTW–JFK

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–JFK

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on DTW–JFK

Embraer 175

Front
Rows 1–11
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 12-18
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 19+
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 JFK turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

DTW → LAX
Detroit → Los Angeles
Light
JFK → ORD
New York → Chicago
Light
DTW → ORD
Detroit → Chicago
light-moderate
See all us domestic flights →
All DTW routes→ All JFK routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Detroit to New York flight turbulent?
The DTW–JFK route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.3/100.
When is turbulence worst on DTW to JFK?
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 JFK?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Embraer 175 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12-18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from DTW to JFK?
The DTW to JFK flight takes approximately 2h, covering 587 miles (510 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly DTW to JFK?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, JetBlue, flying Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft.