When is the Mendoza to Salta 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 MDZ to SLA route?

The MDZ–SLA route is typically operated by Airbus A319 · Embraer 190. Airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas.

Is turbulence on MDZ to SLA dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MDZ–SLA 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 MDZ to SLA flight?

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

MDZ to SLA Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Mendoza to Salta flight turbulent?

The MDZ–SLA route typically experiences extreme turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MDZ to SLA?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A319 · Embraer 190, that's rows 14-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MDZ to SLA?

The MDZ to SLA flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 624 miles (542 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MDZ

→

SLA

Mendoza · Salta · 1h 30m

19.8

Turb Score

1h 30m

Duration

542 nm

Distance

30,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

extreme

Typical

⚠️ extreme turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android

Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android · Free

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MDZ–SLA

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MDZ–SLA route

The Mendoza to Salta 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 on Airbus A319 · Embraer 190 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 30,000 feet over a distance of 624 miles (542 nautical miles).

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

Mendoza to Salta Flight Time

How long is the flight from MDZ to SLA?

1h 30m

Flight Time

624 mi

Distance

30,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A319

Aircraft

The Mendoza (MDZ) to Salta (SLA) flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 624 miles (542 nautical miles) at 30,000 feet. The route is operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MDZ–SLA

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

Best time to fly MDZ–SLA

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MDZ–SLA

Airbus A319

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14-20

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

MDZ → SCL

Mendoza → Santiago

Heavy

See all mountain routes →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

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

Frequent flyer · June

Flew Mendoza–Salta in September, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · September

The 1h 30m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · January

All MDZ routes→ All SLA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mendoza to Salta flight turbulent?

The MDZ–SLA route typically experiences extreme turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 19.8/100.

When is turbulence worst on MDZ to SLA?

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 SLA?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A319 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MDZ to SLA?

The MDZ to SLA flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 624 miles (542 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MDZ to SLA?

The main airlines operating this route are Aerolíneas Argentinas, flying Airbus A319 · Embraer 190 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