When is the Buenos Aires to Santiago 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 BUE to SCL route?

The BUE–SCL route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Sky Airline.

Is turbulence on BUE to SCL dangerous?

No — turbulence on the BUE–SCL 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 BUE to SCL flight?

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

BUE to SCL Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Buenos Aires to Santiago flight turbulent?

The BUE–SCL route typically experiences severe turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on BUE to SCL?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 14-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from BUE to SCL?

The BUE to SCL flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Buenos Aires to Santiago flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

BUE

→

SCL

Buenos Aires · Santiago · 2h 30m

11.2

Turb Score

2h 30m

Duration

963 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

severe

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for BUE–SCL

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the BUE–SCL route

The Buenos Aires to Santiago 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 LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Sky Airline on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles).

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

Buenos Aires to Santiago Flight Time

How long is the flight from BUE to SCL?

2h 30m

Flight Time

1,108 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Buenos Aires (BUE) to Santiago (SCL) flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Sky Airline. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on BUE–SCL

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 BUE–SCL

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on BUE–SCL

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14-20

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

Buenos Aires → Santiago

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Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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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

A few bumpy patches over the mountains, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · June

Some light chop crossing the ridge — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in December.

Regular traveler · December

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps crossing the Rockies. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · January

All BUE routes→ All SCL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Buenos Aires to Santiago flight turbulent?

The BUE–SCL route typically experiences severe turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 11.2/100.

When is turbulence worst on BUE to SCL?

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 BUE to SCL?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from BUE to SCL?

The BUE to SCL flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly BUE to SCL?

The main airlines operating this route are LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Sky Airline, flying Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 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