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ATL to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Is the Atlanta to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
ATL
→
LAX
Atlanta · Los Angeles · 4h 45m
50
Turb Score
4h 45m
Duration
1,946 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for ATL–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the ATL–LAX route

The Atlanta to Los Angeles domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,239 miles at around 36,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 2,239 miles (1,946 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Turbulence levels on ATL–LAX

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 ATL–LAX

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on ATL–LAX

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

ATL to LAX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

ATL → JFK
Atlanta → New York
Light
ATL → LHR
Atlanta → London
Moderate
MIA → LAX
Miami → Los Angeles
Light
ORD → LAX
Chicago → Los Angeles
Light
DFW → LAX
Dallas → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → JFK
Los Angeles → New York
Light

Frequently asked questions

Is the Atlanta to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The ATL–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 50/100.
When is turbulence worst on ATL to LAX?
Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on ATL to LAX?
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 ATL to LAX?
The ATL to LAX flight takes approximately 4h 45m, covering 2,239 miles (1,946 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly ATL to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 aircraft.