When is the Houston to Albuquerque 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 IAH to ABQ route?

The IAH–ABQ route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on IAH to ABQ dangerous?

No — turbulence on the IAH–ABQ 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 IAH to ABQ flight?

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

IAH to ABQ Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Houston to Albuquerque flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on IAH to ABQ?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from IAH to ABQ?

The IAH to ABQ flight takes approximately 2h 0m, covering 743 miles (646 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Houston to Albuquerque flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

IAH

→

ABQ

Houston · Albuquerque · 2h 0m

Turb Score

2h 0m

Duration

646 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for IAH–ABQ

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 0m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the IAH–ABQ route

The Houston to Albuquerque domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 743 miles at around 35,000 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 United Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 743 miles (646 nautical miles).

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

Houston to Albuquerque Flight Time

How long is the flight from IAH to ABQ?

2h 0m

Flight Time

743 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Houston (IAH) to Albuquerque (ABQ) flight takes approximately 2h 0m, covering 743 miles (646 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by United Airlines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on IAH–ABQ

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 IAH–ABQ

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on IAH–ABQ

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

Atlanta → Albuquerque

Light

ORD → ABQ

Chicago → Albuquerque

Albuquerque → Los Angeles

Light

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

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Houston–Albuquerque in May, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · May

Some light chop on descent — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in September.

Regular traveler · September

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

Parent traveling with kids · March

All IAH routes→ All ABQ routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Houston to Albuquerque flight turbulent?

The IAH–ABQ route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 30/100.

When is turbulence worst on IAH to ABQ?

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 IAH to ABQ?

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 IAH to ABQ?

The IAH to ABQ flight takes approximately 2h 0m, covering 743 miles (646 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly IAH to ABQ?

The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 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