When is the Minneapolis to Cleveland 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 MSP to CLE route?

The MSP–CLE route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

Is turbulence on MSP to CLE dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MSP–CLE 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 MSP to CLE flight?

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

MSP to CLE Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Minneapolis to Cleveland flight turbulent?

The MSP–CLE route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MSP to CLE?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MSP to CLE?

The MSP to CLE flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 620 miles (539 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Minneapolis to Cleveland flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MSP

→

CLE

Minneapolis · Cleveland · 1h 45m

Turb Score

1h 45m

Duration

539 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MSP–CLE

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 45m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MSP–CLE route

The Minneapolis to Cleveland domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 620 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 Delta Air Lines, United Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 620 miles (539 nautical miles).

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

Minneapolis to Cleveland Flight Time

How long is the flight from MSP to CLE?

1h 45m

Flight Time

620 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Minneapolis (MSP) to Cleveland (CLE) flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 620 miles (539 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MSP–CLE

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 MSP–CLE

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MSP–CLE

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

PHL → LAX

Philadelphia → Los Angeles

Light

DTW → LAX

Detroit → Los Angeles

Light

IND → LAX

Indianapolis → Los Angeles

Light

CMH → LAX

Columbus → Los Angeles

Light

MSP → ATL

Minneapolis → Atlanta

light-moderate

MSP → ORD

Minneapolis → Chicago

light-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

Did Minneapolis to Cleveland last May and it was genuinely one of the smoothest long-haul flights I've had. Barely any movement the whole way.

Frequent flyer · May

Totally smooth December flight. The seatbelt sign came on once briefly on descent but nothing actually happened. Great trip.

Leisure traveler · December

Fly this route pretty regularly for work. Most of the time it's smooth — March was completely fine, not a bump worth mentioning.

Business traveler · March

All MSP routes→ All CLE routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Minneapolis to Cleveland flight turbulent?

The MSP–CLE route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 28/100.

When is turbulence worst on MSP to CLE?

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 MSP to CLE?

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 MSP to CLE?

The MSP to CLE flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 620 miles (539 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MSP to CLE?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 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