SEA (Seattle) to DTW (Detroit) flights arrive on time 85% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Delta Air Lines at 88%. The average delay is 48 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated May 2026.SEA → DTW
SEA (Seattle) to DTW (Detroit)
SEA → DTW on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 85% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Delta Air Lines edges out Alaska Airlines on this route — 88% vs 80% on time.
Airline Comparison
Delta Air Lines leads at 88% on time; Alaska Airlines trails at 80%.
Good to know
Departing from SEA
82% on timeExpect ~19 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SEA has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~15 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at DTW
84% on timeWhen flights into DTW are late, the average delay is 75 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at DTW: TSA is ~11 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
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Data last updated May 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.