When is the Detroit to New York 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 DTW to JFK route?

The DTW–JFK route is typically operated by Embraer 175 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Delta, JetBlue.

Is turbulence on DTW to JFK dangerous?

No — turbulence on the DTW–JFK 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 DTW to JFK flight?

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

DTW to JFK Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Detroit to New York flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on DTW to JFK?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Embraer 175 · Boeing 737, that's rows 12-18. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

Live forecast

DTW

→

JFK

Detroit · New York · 2h

5.3

Turb Score

Duration

510 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–JFK

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.

Detroit to New York Flight Time

How long is the flight from DTW to JFK?

Flight Time

587 mi

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Embraer 175

Aircraft

The Detroit (DTW) to New York (JFK) flight takes approximately 2h, covering 587 miles (510 nautical miles) at 33,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta, JetBlue. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

DTW → LAX

Detroit → Los Angeles

See all us domestic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps over the mountains. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · November

A few bumpy patches on descent, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · February

The 2h flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · July

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.

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