A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a calm river in the foreground.

$98 Cheap Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW)

Popular airlines from Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash

Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Detroit (LAX-DTW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $98 for one-way flights and $196 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
United
American Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines

Alternative airports near Detroit

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $226 - $319 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Los Angeles Intl. to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW) at a glance

Travel between Los Angeles (LAX) and Detroit (DTW) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover the latest deals on flights, and compare weekly flights from full-service and budget carriers to find the itinerary that best suits your travel plans, schedule, and budget. Whether you’re headed to iconic sights or vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll find essential details for your journey from Los Angeles International Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
  • Flights per week: around 35+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$650, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Los Angeles to Detroit, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX, around 2 hours), and O'Hare International Airport (ORD, about 1 hour and 15 minutes). These choices allow you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides non-stop flights, capturing around 64% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $150 and $760, with a total travel duration of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: This budget-friendly carrier offers one-stop services, contributing to about 12% of flights on this route. Passengers can expect one-way fares typically between $100 and $275, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 7 hours including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low-cost options, Southwest provides both one-stop and multi-stop services, accounting for around 9% of departures. Fares usually range from $160 to $495, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of roughly 7 hours.
  • American Airlines: A reputable full-service airline, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, making up about 8% of departures on this route. One-way fares are typically between $110 and $470, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey of approximately 7 hours.
  • United: This full-service airline provides one-stop services and accounts for around 5% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $110 to $555, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of about 7 hours, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Los Angeles to Detroit can opt to enhance their experience with Delta's first class or premium economy class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Los Angeles to Detroit are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Detroit reach up to 59.4°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.6°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $289. Flight availability peaks in April, with approximately 45 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 28 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $289, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July, June, and April typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $296 to $314.
  • Most flight options: April has the highest number of flights from Los Angeles to Detroit, with approximately 45 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Average29$337
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Average28$352
March36.3°F (2.4°C)High42$363
April46.8°F (8.2°C)High45$314
May59.4°F (15.2°C)High42$289
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Average43$308
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Average44$296
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Average37$324
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Low33$346
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Low36$366
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Low42$372
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Average40$369

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW)

  • Los Angeles to Flint (LAX-FNT): Bishop International Airport (FNT) is located approximately 56 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). One-way economy tickets on this route generally fall between $145 and $495, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Most flights on this route are one-stop, with common connections via O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines providing service here include American Airlines and United, with first-class options available as well.
  • Burbank to Detroit (BUR-DTW): Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is situated around 18 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). One-way economy prices for this journey typically range from $130 to $490, varying by season and booking timing. This route often features one-stop flights, with popular layover cities including Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Key carriers on this route include Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, with first-class seating options also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Los Angeles to Detroit is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM tend to offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper rates, although Thursday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport from Los Angeles International Airport

Detroit welcomes travelers from Los Angeles with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Detroit efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Detroit, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Dearborn Station, a train station, is located approximately 8.3 miles away, providing a convenient option for travelers heading into the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $98 and cheap return flights from $196 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $195 to $1309, and return flights typically cost between $411 and $1641. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The cheapest month to fly from LAX to DTW is October when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from LAX to DTW:

  • Delta operates around 41 direct flights from LAX to DTW every week
  • Spirit Airlines operates around 15 direct flights from LAX to DTW every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Sun Country Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $401. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
To find a cheap flight from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best airline to fly with from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Detroit, MI (DTW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Delta offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Spirit Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from LAX to DTW, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
On average, there are around 8 nonstop flights per day from Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The earliest flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by Spirit Airlines. This early departure can help you make the most of your time in Detroit. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Detroit, MI (DTW) are from 9pm to midnight. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and Spirit Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in Los Angeles before your evening flight.
How long does it take to fly from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Direct flights from LAX to DTW usually take about 4 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 1,975 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 3 hours to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
You can fly first class between LAX and DTW. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW) typically costs between $1,882 - $2,711. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $1,128 - $1,443. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Detroit from Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)?
If you're planning to travel to Detroit from Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Portland Intl. (PDX) before reaching Detroit. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) Detroit Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
If you booked your Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Los Angeles Intl.
Destination airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$196
Distance
1974 mi
Average flight time
7 hours 26 mins

Book with confidence

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia