Home› Routes› US Domestic Flights› JFK → DTW

JFK to DTW Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
JFK
→
DTW
New York · Detroit · 2h 02m
5.3
Turb Score
2h 02m
Duration
510 nm
Distance
33,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — JFK to DTW
⚠️ light-moderate turbulence today
Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free
Download free on the App Store
★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up
Scan to download Turbulence Forecast
Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for JFK–DTW

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 02m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the JFK–DTW route

The New York to Detroit 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 JFK–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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly JFK–DTW

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on JFK–DTW

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the New York to Detroit flight turbulent?
The JFK–DTW route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.3/100.
When is turbulence worst on JFK 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 JFK to DTW?
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 JFK to DTW?
The JFK to DTW flight takes approximately 2h 02m, covering 587 miles (510 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly JFK to DTW?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, JetBlue, flying Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft.