Best Time to Fly DTW to SEA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Detroit Metro Wayne County → Seattle/Tacoma International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
2,064 flights were scheduled from Detroit (DTW) to Seattle (SEA) in the last 12 months, and 73.2% of those that flew arrived on time, 4.4 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Among 2 airlines, Alaska Airlines led with 75.1% on time and Delta Air Lines was last with 72.6%.
Over 24 months, Tuesday was the most reliable day (84% on time) and December the worst month (61%).
The cancellation rate was 0.7% (US average 1.8%).
DTW to SEA on-time performance by airline
Last 12 months. Airlines with fewer than 30 completed flights are marked “limited data”.
| Airline | On time | Avg delay when late | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 75.1% | 47 min | 0.2% | 544 |
| Delta Air Lines | 72.6% | 56 min | 0.9% | 1,520 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DTW to SEA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 4,117 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6am–7am | 87.2% | 0.5% | 219 |
| 7am–8am | 81.7% | 0.7% | 297 |
| 8am–9am | 85.0% | 0.9% | 700 |
| 9am–10am | 67.7% | 0.0% | 31 |
| 11am–12pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 12pm–1pm | 83.2% | 0.4% | 700 |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 28 | |
| 3pm–4pm | 77.1% | 2.5% | 121 |
| 4pm–5pm | 75.1% | 0.1% | 835 |
| 5pm–6pm | 82.2% | 0.0% | 294 |
| 6pm–7pm | 76.1% | 0.9% | 215 |
| 7pm–8pm | 71.8% | 0.0% | 85 |
| 8pm–9pm | 68.1% | 1.0% | 584 |
| 9pm–10pm | Limited data | 7 | |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on DTW to SEA
On-time arrivals during holiday periods compared with all other days, last 24 months.
| Period | On time | vs other days | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving week (Tue before to Mon after) | 75.7% | -5.0 pts | 0.0% | 70 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 60.4% | -20.4 pts | 1.2% | 161 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 76.0% | -4.8 pts | 1.1% | 897 |
| All other days | 80.8% | — | 0.4% | 2,989 |
Monthly on-time trend
On-time arrival % each month, with the 12-month US average for reference.
What causes delays on this route
Share of reported delay minutes, last 12 months (BTS cause categories).