FLL to MDW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Fort Lauderdale to Chicago flight turbulent?

The FLL–MDW route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on FLL to MDW?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

Q: How long is the flight from FLL to MDW?

The FLL to MDW flight takes approximately 3h 5m.

Is the Fort Lauderdale to Chicago flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

FLL

→

MDW

Fort Lauderdale · Chicago · 3h 5m

Turb Score

3h 5m

Duration

1,199 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for FLL–MDW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 5m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the FLL–MDW route

The Fort Lauderdale to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,379 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, Spirit on Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,379 miles (1,199 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on FLL–MDW

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 FLL–MDW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on FLL–MDW

Boeing 737 (186 seats)

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14–22

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

FLL → ORD

Fort Lauderdale → Chicago

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Passenger Reports

Some light chop over the plains — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in April.

Regular traveler · April

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

Frequent flyer · March

Flew Fort Lauderdale–Chicago in July, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · July

All FLL routes→ All MDW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fort Lauderdale to Chicago flight turbulent?

The FLL–MDW route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 35/100.

When is turbulence worst on FLL to MDW?

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 FLL to MDW?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats) (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from FLL to MDW?

The FLL to MDW flight takes approximately 3h 5m, covering 1,379 miles (1,199 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly FLL to MDW?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, Spirit, flying 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