When is the Memphis to Chicago 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 ORD route?

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

Is turbulence on MEM to ORD dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MEM–ORD 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 ORD flight?

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

MEM to ORD Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Memphis to Chicago flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MEM to ORD?

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 ORD?

The MEM to ORD flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 493 miles (428 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MEM

→

ORD

Memphis · Chicago · 1h 30m

Turb Score

1h 30m

Duration

428 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MEM–ORD

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MEM–ORD route

The Memphis to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 493 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 United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 · Embraer E175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 493 miles (428 nautical miles).

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

Memphis to Chicago Flight Time

How long is the flight from MEM to ORD?

1h 30m

Flight Time

493 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Memphis (MEM) to Chicago (ORD) flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 493 miles (428 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MEM–ORD

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–ORD

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MEM–ORD

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

BNA → LAX

Nashville → Los Angeles

light-moderate

STL → LAX

St. Louis → Los Angeles

light-moderate

MSY → LAX

New Orleans → Los Angeles

Moderate

IND → LAX

Indianapolis → Los Angeles

Light

ATL → LAX

Atlanta → Los Angeles

Light

ORD → LAX

Chicago → Los Angeles

Light

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

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

Leisure traveler · July

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

Regular 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 · January

All MEM routes→ All ORD routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Memphis to Chicago flight turbulent?

The MEM–ORD route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 31/100.

When is turbulence worst on MEM to ORD?

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 ORD?

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 ORD?

The MEM to ORD flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 493 miles (428 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MEM to ORD?

The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, American Airlines, 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