Direct (nonstop) flights from Detroit to Los Angeles

2 airlines fly nonstop from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Los Angeles International (LAX). It's 1,978 miles (3,184 km), about 5h 4m in the air. Operated by Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines.

DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
🇺🇸 Detroit, USA
LAX
Los Angeles International
🇺🇸 Los Angeles, USA
Flight Time
5h 4m
Distance
1,978 mi
3,184 km
CO₂/pax
334 kg
−29 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Delta Air Lines +1
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Delta Air Lines DL Delta Air Lines
Route
DTW → LAX
Flight Time
5h 4m
Distance
1,978 mi
Spirit Airlines NK Spirit Airlines
Route
DTW → LAX
Flight Time
5h 4m
Distance
1,978 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Detroit to Los Angeles with one stop · direct emits 334 kg CO₂ per passenger

DTW MDW (Chicago) LAX
Leg 1: 1h 15m (227 mi) Leg 2: 4h 25m (1,751 mi) Total: ~5h 40m 🍃 363 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MDW
1h 15m · 227 mi
View DTW to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → LAX
4h 25m · 1,751 mi
View MDW to LAX flights →
DTW MSN (Madison) LAX
Leg 1: 1h 20m (311 mi) Leg 2: 4h 21m (1,686 mi) Total: ~5h 41m 🍃 368 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MSN
1h 20m · 311 mi
View DTW to MSN flights →
Leg 2
MSN → LAX
4h 21m · 1,686 mi
View MSN to LAX flights →
DTW LAS (Las Vegas) LAX
Leg 1: 4h 27m (1,748 mi) Leg 2: 1h 18m (236 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 364 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → LAS
4h 27m · 1,748 mi
View DTW to LAS flights →
Leg 2
LAS → LAX
1h 18m · 236 mi
View LAS to LAX flights →
DTW STL (Saint Louis) LAX
Leg 1: 1h 40m (440 mi) Leg 2: 4h 5m (1,591 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 375 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → STL
1h 40m · 440 mi
View DTW to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → LAX
4h 5m · 1,591 mi
View STL to LAX flights →
DTW MCI (Kansas City) LAX
Leg 1: 2h 5m (628 mi) Leg 2: 3h 40m (1,363 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 371 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MCI
2h 5m · 628 mi
View DTW to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → LAX
3h 40m · 1,363 mi
View MCI to LAX flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Detroit to Los Angeles?

A nonstop flight from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX) takes approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes. The distance is 1,978 miles (3,184 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Detroit to Los Angeles?

2 airlines: Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Detroit to Los Angeles?

Yes. 2 airlines: Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines.

How far is Detroit from Los Angeles?

The flight distance from Detroit to Los Angeles is 1,978 miles (3,184 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from Detroit to Los Angeles?

At 5h 4m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Detroit to Los Angeles?

Roughly 334 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,670 km.

Is the return flight from Los Angeles to Detroit also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Detroit to Los Angeles?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Airport for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.