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LAX to PDX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
PDX
Los Angeles · Portland · 2h 17m
44
Turb Score
2h 17m
Duration
836 nm
Distance
32,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LAX–PDX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 17m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–PDX route

The Los Angeles to Portland 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 Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 32,000 feet over a distance of 962 miles (836 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LAX–PDX

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 LAX–PDX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–PDX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–9
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 10–18
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 19+
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

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to Portland flight turbulent?
The LAX–PDX 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 LAX to PDX?
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 LAX to PDX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from LAX to PDX?
The LAX to PDX flight takes approximately 2h 17m, covering 962 miles (836 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to PDX?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.