When is the Orlando to New Orleans 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 MCO to MSY route?

The MCO–MSY route is typically operated by Boeing 717 · CRJ-900. Airlines include Delta, Southwest, Frontier.

Is turbulence on MCO to MSY dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MCO–MSY 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 MCO to MSY flight?

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

MCO to MSY Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Orlando to New Orleans flight turbulent?

The MCO–MSY route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MCO to MSY?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 717 · CRJ-900, that's rows 9-17. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MCO to MSY?

The MCO to MSY flight takes approximately 1h 27m, covering 581 miles (505 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet.

Is the Orlando to New Orleans flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MCO

→

MSY

Orlando · New Orleans · 1h 27m

Turb Score

1h 27m

Duration

505 nm

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MCO–MSY

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 27m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MCO–MSY route

The Orlando to New Orleans domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 581 miles at around 33,000 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 Delta, Southwest, Frontier on Boeing 717 · CRJ-900 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 581 miles (505 nautical miles).

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

Orlando to New Orleans Flight Time

How long is the flight from MCO to MSY?

1h 27m

Flight Time

581 mi

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 717

Aircraft

The Orlando (MCO) to New Orleans (MSY) flight takes approximately 1h 27m, covering 581 miles (505 nautical miles) at 33,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta, Southwest, Frontier. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MCO–MSY

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 MCO–MSY

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MCO–MSY

Boeing 717-200

Front

Rows 1–8

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 9-17

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 18+

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

MCO → LAX

Orlando → Los Angeles

Salt Lake City → New Orleans

Severe

BWI → MSY

Baltimore → New Orleans

Smooth

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 Orlando–New Orleans 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

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 · February

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

Frequent flyer · January

All MCO routes→ All MSY routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Orlando to New Orleans flight turbulent?

The MCO–MSY route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 5/100.

When is turbulence worst on MCO to MSY?

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 MCO to MSY?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 717-200 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 9-17. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MCO to MSY?

The MCO to MSY flight takes approximately 1h 27m, covering 581 miles (505 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MCO to MSY?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta, Southwest, Frontier, flying Boeing 717 · CRJ-900 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