Direct Flights from Houston (IAH) to Detroit (DTW): Booking & Travel Guide

To ensure a stress-free departure, it is highly recommended to arrive at IAH at least two hours before your flight, especially if you are departing from Terminal C or E, which are known for heavy traffic during morning business peaks. Once you arrive at DTW, take advantage of the McNamara Terminal’s ExpressTram; it is one of the fastest ways to navigate the long concourses if you have a connecting flight or need to reach baggage claim quickly. Since Detroit is in the Eastern Time Zone and Houston is in the Central Time Zone, remember that you will lose one hour upon arrival, so synchronize your watches to avoid missing scheduled pickups or reservations. Additionally, even if you are leaving behind a sweltering Houston summer, the wind off the Detroit River can be quite brisk, so carrying a versatile light jacket in your carry-on is a smart move for any season.

Travelers looking for the lowest fares on the IAH to DTW route should target the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn, specifically May and September, when demand stabilizes. The most expensive times to fly typically coincide with the winter holidays and the peak of summer in July, as families travel north to enjoy the Great Lakes. Mid-week departures on Tuesdays or Wednesdays usually offer significantly better value than weekend flights.