When is the New York to Houston 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 JFK to IAH route?

The JFK–IAH route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Boeing 757. Airlines include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines.

Is turbulence on JFK to IAH dangerous?

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

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

JFK to IAH Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the New York to Houston flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on JFK to IAH?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Boeing 757, that's rows 10–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The JFK to IAH flight takes approximately 3h 22m, covering 1,635 miles (1,420 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

JFK

→

IAH

New York · Houston · 3h 22m

Turb Score

3h 22m

Duration

1,420 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for JFK–IAH

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 22m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the JFK–IAH route

The New York to Houston domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,635 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, Delta Air Lines on Boeing 737 · Boeing 757 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,635 miles (1,420 nautical miles).

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

New York to Houston Flight Time

How long is the flight from JFK to IAH?

3h 22m

Flight Time

1,635 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The New York (JFK) to Houston (IAH) flight takes approximately 3h 22m, covering 1,635 miles (1,420 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by United Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on JFK–IAH

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 JFK–IAH

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on JFK–IAH

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10–20

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

New York → Los Angeles

Light

LAX → JFK

Los Angeles → New York

Light

IAH → LAX

Houston → Los Angeles

Atlanta → 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

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

Frequent flyer · May

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 · September

There was some noticeable movement crossing the Rockies that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · March

All JFK routes→ All IAH routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the New York to Houston flight turbulent?

The JFK–IAH route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 44/100.

When is turbulence worst on JFK to IAH?

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 JFK to IAH?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from JFK to IAH?

The JFK to IAH flight takes approximately 3h 22m, covering 1,635 miles (1,420 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly JFK to IAH?

The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, flying Boeing 737 · 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