The Most Turbulent Flight Routes in the U.S.

Few things are as unsettling as a bumpy ride—especially in midair!

When you’re in a plane, surrounded by clouds, and over 30,000 feet from the ground, those small jolts can feel like the entire plane is shaking apart. 

In fact, some flight routes in the U.S. are notorious for experiencing turbulence more than others. Want to know if your flight is one of them?

Well, buckle up your seatbelt as we dive into the skies and uncover the 10 most turbulent flight routes in the U.S.!

What Makes Some Flight Routes So Turbulent 

So, what makes these routes so different from others? Several factors come into play, each contributing to those worrisome moments.

The major three are:

• Geographical Features: Mountainous terrain or nearby water bodies can cause turbulence. For instance, air flowing over and around the mountains or rising thermal effects from large lakes.

• Weather Patterns: Fluctuating weather, thunderstorms, and strong winds are some of the most common reasons for turbulence.

• Urban Environments: Built-up areas can indirectly contribute to turbulence through the “urban heat island effect,” where rising warm air from cities creates localized instability.

The Most Turbulent Flight Routes in the U.S

Before you read the list, remember that flight turbulence is a natural occurrence, especially in rough weather. 

Pilots are highly trained to navigate these situations, and the planes are designed to handle far more stress than turbulence can deliver!

As you can imagine, while turbulence can happen on any route, certain paths are more turbulent than others, and the following are notorious for shaky flights:

1. Nashville (BNA) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)—this is the most turbulent one!
2. Atlanta (ATL) to Dulles (IAD)
3. Boston (BOS) to Philadelphia (PHL)
4. Boston (BOS) to Syracuse (SYR)
5. Charlotte (CLT) to Pittsburgh (PIT)
6. Denver (DEN) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
7. New York (JFK) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
8. New York (LGA) to Portland (PWM)
9. Pittsburgh (PIT) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
10. Warwick (PVD) to Syracuse (SYR)

Please note: the list is based on data provided by Turbli, a turbulence forecast and analysis tool.

What to Do When There’s Turbulence

It’s natural to worry or get scared when your plane starts shaking.

The general advice is to keep calm and think that this is something completely normal and ordinary, which you should not be afraid of.

If you’re scared you can breathe deeply and slowly—hold it in for five seconds, release slowly, and inhale again.

For your safety remember to fasten your seatbelt and stay seated (the risk of hurting yourself or hitting your head is the real issue, not the risk that the plane might fall.)

In addition follow the flight crew’s instructions at all times—they’ve gone through this many times before and know the drill!

If it helps you keep yourself distracted with music, reading, in-flight entertainment or chatting with the person next to you.

Enjoy your flight

Is your next flight on one of the most turbulent flight routes in the U.S.? If yes, well prepare for it but don’t panic!

As mentioned, turbulence is a perfectly natural occurrence and your pilots will be ready to handle it, the plane is built to endure it, and there’s no real cause for alarm. 

Enjoy your flight!