When is the Austin to Seattle 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 AUS to SEA route?

The AUS–SEA route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319. Airlines include Southwest, Alaska, Delta.

Is turbulence on AUS to SEA dangerous?

No — turbulence on the AUS–SEA 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 AUS to SEA flight?

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

AUS to SEA Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Austin to Seattle flight turbulent?

The AUS–SEA route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on AUS to SEA?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A319, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Is the Austin to Seattle flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

AUS

→

SEA

Austin · Seattle · 4h

6.0

Turb Score

Duration

1,779 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

moderate

Typical

⚠️ moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for AUS–SEA

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the AUS–SEA route

The Austin to Seattle domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,047 miles at around 37,000 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 Southwest, Alaska, Delta on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 2,047 miles (1,779 nautical miles).

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

Austin to Seattle Flight Time

How long is the flight from AUS to SEA?

Flight Time

2,047 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Austin (AUS) to Seattle (SEA) flight takes approximately 4h, covering 2,047 miles (1,779 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest, Alaska, Delta. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on AUS–SEA

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly AUS–SEA

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on AUS–SEA

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–14

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 15-22

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 23+

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

AUS → SLC

Austin → Salt Lake City

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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

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

There was some noticeable movement over the Midwest that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · March

Flew Austin–Seattle in September, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · September

The 4h flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · July

All AUS routes→ All SEA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Austin to Seattle flight turbulent?

The AUS–SEA route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 6.0/100.

When is turbulence worst on AUS to SEA?

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 AUS to SEA?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from AUS to SEA?

The AUS to SEA flight takes approximately 4h, covering 2,047 miles (1,779 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly AUS to SEA?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, Alaska, Delta, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 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