PHX to DTW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Phoenix to Detroit flight turbulent?

The PHX–DTW route typically experiences moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PHX to DTW?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

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

The PHX to DTW flight takes approximately 3h 29m.

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

Live forecast

PHX

→

DTW

Phoenix · Detroit · 3h 29m

6.4

Turb Score

3h 29m

Duration

1,453 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

moderate

Typical

⚠️ moderate turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store

★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up

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 PHX–DTW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 29m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PHX–DTW route

The Phoenix to Detroit domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,672 miles at around 37,000 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, Spirit, Southwest, American on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,672 miles (1,453 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on PHX–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 PHX–DTW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PHX–DTW

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–14

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 15-22

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 23+

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 → PHX

Detroit → Phoenix

moderate

See all us domestic flights →

All PHX routes→ All DTW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Phoenix to Detroit flight turbulent?

The PHX–DTW route typically experiences moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 6.4/100.

When is turbulence worst on PHX 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 PHX to DTW?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from PHX to DTW?

The PHX to DTW flight takes approximately 3h 29m, covering 1,672 miles (1,453 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PHX to DTW?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta, Spirit, Southwest, American, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 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