When is the Dallas 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 DAL to SEA route?

The DAL–SEA route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757. Airlines include Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on DAL to SEA dangerous?

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

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

DAL to SEA Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Dallas to Seattle flight turbulent?

The DAL–SEA route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on DAL to SEA?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from DAL to SEA?

The DAL to SEA flight takes approximately 3h 40m, covering 1,669 miles (1,450 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

DAL

→

SEA

Dallas · Seattle · 3h 40m

Turb Score

3h 40m

Duration

1,450 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 DAL–SEA

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 40m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the DAL–SEA route

The Dallas to Seattle 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 Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,669 miles (1,450 nautical miles).

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

Dallas to Seattle Flight Time

How long is the flight from DAL to SEA?

3h 40m

Flight Time

1,669 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Dallas (DAL) to Seattle (SEA) flight takes approximately 3h 40m, covering 1,669 miles (1,450 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on DAL–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

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Best time to fly DAL–SEA

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on DAL–SEA

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

Seattle → Los Angeles

Light

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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

→

Is Turbulence Dangerous?

What the safety data shows

→

Passenger Reports

This was genuinely difficult for me. Real bumps for a long stretch crossing the Rockies, seatbelt sign on for what felt like forever. The flight attendants were calm which helped. Got through it.

Nervous flyer · May

More turbulent than I expected. The on the climb out section was pretty rough — overhead bins rattling, some gasps from other passengers. Died down before landing.

Leisure traveler · September

Flew this in February expecting smooth skies based on past experience, but it was noticeably bumpier than usual. About an hour of moderate chop. Seatbelt sign basically stayed on.

Regular traveler · February

All DAL routes→ All SEA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dallas to Seattle flight turbulent?

The DAL–SEA route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 53/100.

When is turbulence worst on DAL to SEA?

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 DAL to SEA?

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 DAL to SEA?

The DAL to SEA flight takes approximately 3h 40m, covering 1,669 miles (1,450 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly DAL to SEA?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 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