When is the Chicago to Birmingham 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 MDW to BHM route?

The MDW–BHM route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175. Airlines include Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on MDW to BHM dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MDW–BHM 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 MDW to BHM flight?

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

MDW to BHM Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Chicago to Birmingham flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MDW to BHM?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MDW to BHM?

The MDW to BHM flight takes approximately 1h 40m, covering 571 miles (496 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Chicago to Birmingham flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MDW

→

BHM

Chicago · Birmingham · 1h 40m

Turb Score

1h 40m

Duration

496 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MDW–BHM

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 40m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MDW–BHM route

The Chicago to Birmingham domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 571 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 Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 571 miles (496 nautical miles).

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

Chicago to Birmingham Flight Time

How long is the flight from MDW to BHM?

1h 40m

Flight Time

571 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Chicago (MDW) to Birmingham (BHM) flight takes approximately 1h 40m, covering 571 miles (496 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MDW–BHM

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 MDW–BHM

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MDW–BHM

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

ATL → LAX

Atlanta → Los Angeles

Light

MSY → LAX

New Orleans → Los Angeles

Moderate

BNA → LAX

Nashville → Los Angeles

light-moderate

MEM → LAX

Memphis → Los Angeles

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 Chicago–Birmingham in July, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · July

The 1h 40m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · November

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 · January

All MDW routes→ All BHM routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Birmingham flight turbulent?

The MDW–BHM route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 32/100.

When is turbulence worst on MDW to BHM?

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 MDW to BHM?

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 MDW to BHM?

The MDW to BHM flight takes approximately 1h 40m, covering 571 miles (496 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MDW to BHM?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 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