Detroit to Los Angeles: DTW to LAX Flight Guide & Travel Tips
Cheapest flight found
$160
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: DTW → LAX
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$160
Highest Fare
$291
Median Fare
$230
Price Spread
$131
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $160)
Most expensive month: July 2026 (from $291)
Biggest price drop caught: $104 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Detroit to Los Angeles range from $160 to $291, a $131 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $104 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Detroit (DTW)
To
Los Angeles (LAX)
Airport Information
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) serves as a primary international gateway and a massive hub for Delta Air Lines, consistently ranking high for passenger satisfaction. Known for its modern McNamara Terminal, which features an iconic indoor tram and a stunning multi-colored light tunnel, the airport provides a highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing experience for departing passengers. Travelers can enjoy a wide variety of local Michigan-inspired dining options and high-end retail stores while waiting for their departure to the West Coast.
Los Angeles (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the primary entry point to Southern California and the Pacific Rim. Located right along the coast near Westchester, it offers nine different terminals currently undergoing massive multibillion-dollar renovations to improve passenger flow, including a new automated people mover system. Upon arrival, passengers have access to a vast array of services, including the landmark Theme Building and numerous shuttle connections to car rental hubs and regional transit centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average flight time from DTW to LAX?
A non-stop flight from Detroit to Los Angeles typically takes between 4 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes, depending on wind speeds and weather conditions.
Which airlines offer non-stop flights on this route?
Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines are the primary carriers offering consistent non-stop service from DTW to LAX, though other major carriers offer one-stop connections.
What is the time difference between Detroit and Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is 3 hours behind Detroit's Eastern Time Zone.
What is the best way to get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?
The most common options include the LAX FlyAway bus service, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, or the Metro C Line (Green) which can be accessed via a free shuttle from the terminals.
Does DTW offer long-term parking for travelers to LA?
Yes, DTW offers several long-term parking options including the Big Blue Deck and the McNamara Parking Garage, as well as several off-site private lots with shuttle service.
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Our Methodology
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