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MDZ to SCL Turbulence Forecast

Is the Mendoza to Santiago flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
MDZ
→
SCL
Mendoza · Santiago · 1h 0m
93
Turb Score
1h 0m
Duration
94 nm
Distance
24,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Heavy
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MDZ–SCL

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 0m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the MDZ–SCL route

The Mendoza to Santiago 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 Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM Airlines on Airbus A319 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 24,000 feet over a distance of 108 miles (94 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on MDZ–SCL

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 MDZ–SCL

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on MDZ–SCL

Airbus A319

Front
Rows 1–5
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 6–14
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 15+
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

MDZ to SCL turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SCL → MDZ
Santiago → Mendoza
Heavy
EZE → SCL
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Heavy
SCL → EZE
Santiago → Buenos Aires
Heavy
LIM → SCL
Lima → Santiago
Moderate
SCL → GRU
Santiago → Sao Paulo
Moderate
JFK → EZE
New York → Buenos Aires
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Mendoza to Santiago flight turbulent?
The MDZ–SCL route typically experiences heavy turbulence. Heavy turbulence likely — stay seated with seatbelt fastened. The turbulence score for this route is 93/100.
When is turbulence worst on MDZ to SCL?
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 MDZ to SCL?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A319 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 6–14. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from MDZ to SCL?
The MDZ to SCL flight takes approximately 1h 0m, covering 108 miles (94 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly MDZ to SCL?
The main airlines operating this route are Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM Airlines, flying Airbus A319 · Boeing 737 aircraft.