SEA to DTW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Seattle to Detroit flight turbulent?

The SEA–DTW route typically experiences moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SEA 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 SEA to DTW?

The SEA to DTW flight takes approximately 4h 2m.

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

Live forecast

SEA

→

DTW

Seattle · Detroit · 4h 2m

6.5

Turb Score

4h 2m

Duration

1,683 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

moderate

Typical

⚠️ moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–DTW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 2m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SEA–DTW route

The Seattle to Detroit domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,937 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, Alaska, Southwest on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,937 miles (1,683 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SEA–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

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Best time to fly SEA–DTW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SEA–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 → SEA

Detroit → Seattle

moderate

See all us domestic flights →

All SEA routes→ All DTW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Detroit flight turbulent?

The SEA–DTW route typically experiences moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 6.5/100.

When is turbulence worst on SEA 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 SEA 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 SEA to DTW?

The SEA to DTW flight takes approximately 4h 2m, covering 1,937 miles (1,683 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SEA to DTW?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta, Spirit, Alaska, Southwest, 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