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DFW to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
DFW
→
LAX
Dallas · Los Angeles · 3h 20m
54
Turb Score
3h 20m
Duration
1,235 nm
Distance
35,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DFW–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 20m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the DFW–LAX route

The Dallas to Los Angeles 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 American Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,421 miles (1,235 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on DFW–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 DFW–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on DFW–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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dallas to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The DFW–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 54/100.
When is turbulence worst on DFW to LAX?
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 DFW 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 DFW to LAX?
The DFW to LAX flight takes approximately 3h 20m, covering 1,421 miles (1,235 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly DFW to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft.