When is the Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo 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 LAX to ZIH route?

The LAX–ZIH route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319. Airlines include American, United, Aeromexico.

Is turbulence on LAX to ZIH dangerous?

No — turbulence on the LAX–ZIH 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 LAX to ZIH flight?

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

LAX to ZIH Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo flight turbulent?

The LAX–ZIH route typically experiences light-to-moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on LAX to ZIH?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A319, that's rows 10-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

Live forecast

LAX

→

ZIH

Los Angeles · Zihuatanejo · 3h

Turb Score

Duration

1,338 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light-to-Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Light-to-Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LAX–ZIH

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the LAX–ZIH route

The Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,540 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 American, United, Aeromexico on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,540 miles (1,338 nautical miles).

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

Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo Flight Time

How long is the flight from LAX to ZIH?

Flight Time

1,540 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Los Angeles (LAX) to Zihuatanejo (ZIH) flight takes approximately 3h, covering 1,540 miles (1,338 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by American, United, Aeromexico. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on LAX–ZIH

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–ZIH

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on LAX–ZIH

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

Los Angeles → Bozeman

Moderate

LAX → PEK

Los Angeles → Beijing

Moderate

JFK → ZIH

New York → Zihuatanejo

Light-to-Moderate

ORD → ZIH

Chicago → Zihuatanejo

Light-to-Moderate

ATL → ZIH

Atlanta → Zihuatanejo

Light-to-Moderate

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

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Los Angeles–Zihuatanejo in March, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · March

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

First-time flyer · January

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 · January

All LAX routes→ All ZIH routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo flight turbulent?

The LAX–ZIH route typically experiences light-to-moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 3/100.

When is turbulence worst on LAX to ZIH?

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 LAX to ZIH?

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 LAX to ZIH?

The LAX to ZIH flight takes approximately 3h, covering 1,540 miles (1,338 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly LAX to ZIH?

The main airlines operating this route are American, United, Aeromexico, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 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