When is the Memphis 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 MEM to MSY route?

The MEM–MSY route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175. Airlines include Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines.

Is turbulence on MEM to MSY dangerous?

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

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

MEM to MSY Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Memphis to New Orleans flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MEM to MSY?

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 MEM to MSY?

The MEM to MSY flight takes approximately 1h 25m, covering 350 miles (304 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MEM

→

MSY

Memphis · New Orleans · 1h 25m

Turb Score

1h 25m

Duration

304 nm

Distance

32,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MEM–MSY

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 25m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MEM–MSY route

The Memphis to New Orleans domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 350 miles at around 32,000 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, Spirit Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 32,000 feet over a distance of 350 miles (304 nautical miles).

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

Memphis to New Orleans Flight Time

How long is the flight from MEM to MSY?

1h 25m

Flight Time

350 mi

Distance

32,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Memphis (MEM) to New Orleans (MSY) flight takes approximately 1h 25m, covering 350 miles (304 nautical miles) at 32,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MEM–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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly MEM–MSY

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MEM–MSY

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

Atlanta → New Orleans

Moderate

ORD → MSY

Chicago → New Orleans

New Orleans → 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

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

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

First-time flyer · July

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps crossing the Rockies. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · February

Some light chop over the mountains — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in January.

Regular traveler · January

All MEM routes→ All MSY routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Memphis to New Orleans flight turbulent?

The MEM–MSY route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 30/100.

When is turbulence worst on MEM 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 MEM to MSY?

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 MEM to MSY?

The MEM to MSY flight takes approximately 1h 25m, covering 350 miles (304 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MEM to MSY?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest Airlines, Spirit 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