When is the Albuquerque to Dallas route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the ABQ to DFW route?

The ABQ–DFW route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175. Airlines include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on ABQ to DFW dangerous?

No — turbulence on the ABQ–DFW route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my ABQ to DFW flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the ABQ–DFW route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

ABQ to DFW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Albuquerque to Dallas flight turbulent?

The ABQ–DFW route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on ABQ to DFW?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from ABQ to DFW?

The ABQ to DFW flight takes approximately 1h 40m, covering 567 miles (493 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Albuquerque to Dallas flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

ABQ

→

DFW

Albuquerque · Dallas · 1h 40m

Turb Score

1h 40m

Duration

493 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for ABQ–DFW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 40m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the ABQ–DFW route

The Albuquerque to Dallas route crosses the Rocky Mountains — one of the most turbulent regions in North America. Mountain wave turbulence occurs when strong winds blow over mountain peaks, creating powerful invisible waves that extend to cruise altitude. The worst turbulence typically occurs in the first 30–60 minutes when the aircraft is climbing over the range.

The route is served by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 567 miles (493 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy.

Albuquerque to Dallas Flight Time

How long is the flight from ABQ to DFW?

1h 40m

Flight Time

567 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Albuquerque (ABQ) to Dallas (DFW) flight takes approximately 1h 40m, covering 567 miles (493 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on ABQ–DFW

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

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Best time to fly ABQ–DFW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on ABQ–DFW

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–11

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 12–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

Salt Lake City → Los Angeles

Light

PHX → LAX

Phoenix → Los Angeles

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Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Fly this route pretty regularly for work. Most of the time it's smooth — May was completely fine, not a bump worth mentioning.

Business traveler · May

Totally smooth November flight. The seatbelt sign came on once briefly crossing the ridge but nothing actually happened. Great trip.

Leisure traveler · November

Did Albuquerque to Dallas last March and it was genuinely one of the smoothest long-haul flights I've had. Barely any movement the whole way.

Frequent flyer · March

All ABQ routes→ All DFW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Albuquerque to Dallas flight turbulent?

The ABQ–DFW route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 28/100.

When is turbulence worst on ABQ to DFW?

Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on ABQ to DFW?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from ABQ to DFW?

The ABQ to DFW flight takes approximately 1h 40m, covering 567 miles (493 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly ABQ to DFW?

The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data