Home› Routes› US Domestic Flights› ORD → DTW

ORD to DTW Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
ORD
→
DTW
Chicago · Detroit · 1h 32m
5.4
Turb Score
1h 32m
Duration
238 nm
Distance
28,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — ORD 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 ORD–DTW

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 32m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the ORD–DTW route

The Chicago to Detroit domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 274 miles at around 28,000 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, United, American on Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 28,000 feet over a distance of 274 miles (238 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on ORD–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 ORD–DTW

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on ORD–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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Detroit flight turbulent?
The ORD–DTW route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.4/100.
When is turbulence worst on ORD 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 ORD 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 ORD to DTW?
The ORD to DTW flight takes approximately 1h 32m, covering 274 miles (238 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly ORD to DTW?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, United, American, flying Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft.