DTW to LAX Route Guide
Detroit, United States → Los Angeles, United States
Quick answer
KDTW (Detroit, United States) to KLAX (Los Angeles, United States) is a 1,716 NM (3,178 km / 1,975 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 265° (W). Typical cruise altitude FL350, expected flight time 4h 14m, common aircraft: Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo.
Distance
1,716 NM
3,178 km / 1,975 mi
Initial Bearing
265° (W)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL350
35,000 ft
Block Time
4h 14m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
6,648 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
645 ft
KDTW
Arrival Elevation
128 ft
KLAX
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 1,716 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A320neo
- Airbus A321neo
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
Weather considerations
Pilots flying DTW-LAX should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between DTW and LAX?
1,716 nautical miles (3,178 km / 1,975 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Los Angeles?
Approximately 4h 14m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly DTW-LAX?
Common types include Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737 MAX 8 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL350 (35,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
265° true (W). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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