When is the Baltimore to Richmond 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 BWI to RIC route?

The BWI–RIC route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175. Airlines include Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on BWI to RIC dangerous?

No — turbulence on the BWI–RIC 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 BWI to RIC flight?

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

BWI to RIC Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Baltimore to Richmond flight turbulent?

The BWI–RIC route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on BWI to RIC?

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 BWI to RIC?

The BWI to RIC flight takes approximately 1h 0m, covering 121 miles (105 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet.

Is the Baltimore to Richmond flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

BWI

→

RIC

Baltimore · Richmond · 1h 0m

Turb Score

1h 0m

Duration

105 nm

Distance

32,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for BWI–RIC

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 0m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the BWI–RIC route

The Baltimore to Richmond domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 121 miles at around 32,000 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 Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 32,000 feet over a distance of 121 miles (105 nautical miles).

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

Baltimore to Richmond Flight Time

How long is the flight from BWI to RIC?

1h 0m

Flight Time

121 mi

Distance

32,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Baltimore (BWI) to Richmond (RIC) flight takes approximately 1h 0m, covering 121 miles (105 nautical miles) at 32,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on BWI–RIC

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 BWI–RIC

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on BWI–RIC

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

PHL → LAX

Philadelphia → Los Angeles

Light

BWI → LAX

Baltimore → Los Angeles

Smooth

IAD → LAX

Washington → Los Angeles

light-moderate

CLT → LAX

Charlotte → Los Angeles

See all us domestic flights →

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

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

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

Frequent flyer · April

Was nervous about this flight but honestly didn't need to be. Smooth the whole way, the 1h 0m went by fast.

First-time passenger · March

All BWI routes→ All RIC routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Baltimore to Richmond flight turbulent?

The BWI–RIC route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 23/100.

When is turbulence worst on BWI to RIC?

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 BWI to RIC?

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 BWI to RIC?

The BWI to RIC flight takes approximately 1h 0m, covering 121 miles (105 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly BWI to RIC?

The main airlines operating this route are 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