When is the Memphis to Detroit 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 MEM to DTW route?

The MEM–DTW route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include Delta Air Lines.

Is turbulence on MEM to DTW dangerous?

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

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

MEM to DTW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Memphis to Detroit flight turbulent?

The MEM–DTW route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MEM to DTW?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The MEM to DTW flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 611 miles (531 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MEM

→

DTW

Memphis · Detroit · 1h 45m

Turb Score

1h 45m

Duration

531 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MEM–DTW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 45m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MEM–DTW route

The Memphis to Detroit domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 611 miles at around 35,000 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 Air Lines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 611 miles (531 nautical miles).

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

Memphis to Detroit Flight Time

How long is the flight from MEM to DTW?

1h 45m

Flight Time

611 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Memphis (MEM) to Detroit (DTW) flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 611 miles (531 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta Air Lines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MEM–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

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Best time to fly MEM–DTW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MEM–DTW

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–11

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 12–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

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

BNA → LAX

Nashville → Los Angeles

light-moderate

STL → LAX

St. Louis → Los Angeles

light-moderate

MSY → LAX

New Orleans → Los Angeles

Moderate

IND → LAX

Indianapolis → 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

Flew Memphis–Detroit in May, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · May

There was some noticeable movement over the plains that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · March

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

Parent traveling with kids · March

All MEM routes→ All DTW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Memphis to Detroit flight turbulent?

The MEM–DTW route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 32/100.

When is turbulence worst on MEM 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 MEM to DTW?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MEM to DTW?

The MEM to DTW flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 611 miles (531 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MEM to DTW?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 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