Detroit to Seattle

2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked

In economy, Alaska's Main Cabin (737-900ER) leads the field with a 4.4/10.In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.

How we score → Last updated June 2026

Quick pick

Best economy:strong pick

Fly Alaska. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If prices are similar, go with this one.

Best first class:close call

Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

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recliner · 2-2 · 37" pitchVery reliablePoints: Amex MR

2.8

Below average

Seat 1.3·Amenity 5.0

recliner · 2-2 · 40" pitchReliablePoints: Bilt

2.8

Below average

Seat 1.3·Amenity 5.1

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Data verified June 2026

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Airlines on this route

Delta

Alaska

Route insights

In economy, Alaska's Main Cabin (737-900ER) leads the field with a 4.4/10.
In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.

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Frequently asked

Which is better in first: Delta or Alaska on DTW-SEA?

Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, 737-900ER) and First Class (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.8/10. The biggest gap is entertainment — a 11" screen vs 9" screen — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.

Which is better in economy: Delta or Alaska on DTW-SEA?

Main Cabin (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) edges out Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, 737-900ER) in economy, scoring 4.4/10 vs 3.5. The deciding factor: 31" of pitch vs 30".

What are the best seats in Delta Delta First Class on DTW-SEA?

Best: Row 1 bulkhead has the most legroom. 1A and 1D for window-seat privacy. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the Comfort+ cabin. B and C seats are more exposed. Pre-retrofit 737-900ER with older recliner seats. Smaller 9-inch seatback IFE screens. AC outlet and USB-A at every seat. Delta Sync free WiFi. Same meal service as other domestic First Class.

What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on DTW-SEA?

Best: Comfort+ rows 10-14 (27 seats) offer 33-34 inches of pitch with complimentary beer/wine/spirits. Row 10 bulkhead for the most legroom. Avoid: Last rows near rear lavatory. Middle seats (B, E) throughout. Row 37 does not recline. 27 Comfort+ seats in rows 10-14 with 33-34-inch pitch; 133 Main Cabin seats in rows 15-37 with 30-31 inches. Older slimline seats with 9-inch seatback screens. USB-A at most seats; AC outlets inconsistent — some rows have them, others do not. Delta Sync free WiFi. Some 737-900ER sub-variants (73J, 73R) may lack seatback IFE or WiFi.

What are the best seats in Alaska First Class on DTW-SEA?

Best: Row 1 for maximum legroom. Window seats in rows 1-2 are quiet and private. Avoid: Row 4 (last row of first) may have limited meal choices due to service order. 41-inch pitch is among the best domestic first class products in the US. No seatback IFE screens; stream to personal devices via Gogo 2Ku Wi-Fi. USB-A and AC outlet under center armrest. Free for T-Mobile customers. Pre-order meals system with limited choices.

What are the best seats in Alaska Main Cabin on DTW-SEA?

Best: Exit row seats (row 15/16) offer extra legroom. Avoid: Last row (34) has limited recline and is near the lavatory. Middle seats throughout. Standard domestic economy with 31-inch pitch. USB-A and AC power at every seat. No seatback screens; entertainment streams to personal devices. Boeing Sky Interior with larger overhead bins. Exit row seats on the 737 offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.