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 87%. The average delay is 56 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.SEA → DTW
SEA (Seattle) to DTW (Detroit)
SEA → DTW on-time performance by month
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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).
Accurate?
Delta Air Lines edges out Alaska Airlines on this route — 87% vs 82% on time.
Airline Comparison
Delta Air Lines leads at 87% on time; Alaska Airlines trails at 82%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from SEA
80% on timeExpect ~21 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SEA has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~9 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at DTW
80% on timeWhen flights into DTW are late, the average delay is 78 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at DTW: TSA is ~7 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Flight cancelled or delayed?
Check what Delta Air Lines owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.
Flying out of SEA? We'll brief you.
Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated August 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.