When is the New Orleans to Orlando 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 MSY to MCO route?

The MSY–MCO route is typically operated by Boeing 717 · CRJ-900. Airlines include Delta, Southwest, Frontier.

Is turbulence on MSY to MCO dangerous?

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

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

MSY to MCO Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the New Orleans to Orlando flight turbulent?

The MSY–MCO route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MSY to MCO?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 717 · CRJ-900, that's rows 9-17. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MSY to MCO?

The MSY to MCO flight takes approximately 1h 25m, covering 581 miles (505 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MSY

→

MCO

New Orleans · Orlando · 1h 25m

Turb Score

1h 25m

Duration

505 nm

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MSY–MCO

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 25m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MSY–MCO route

The New Orleans to Orlando domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 581 miles at around 33,000 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, Southwest, Frontier on Boeing 717 · CRJ-900 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 581 miles (505 nautical miles).

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

New Orleans to Orlando Flight Time

How long is the flight from MSY to MCO?

1h 25m

Flight Time

581 mi

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 717

Aircraft

The New Orleans (MSY) to Orlando (MCO) flight takes approximately 1h 25m, covering 581 miles (505 nautical miles) at 33,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta, Southwest, Frontier. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MSY–MCO

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 MSY–MCO

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MSY–MCO

Boeing 717-200

Front

Rows 1–8

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 9-17

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 18+

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

MSY → SLC

New Orleans → Salt Lake City

New Orleans → Minneapolis

Smooth

JAC → MCO

Jackson Hole → Orlando

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

→

Passenger Reports

The 1h 25m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · May

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

Frequent flyer · October

There was some noticeable movement crossing the Rockies 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 MSY routes→ All MCO routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the New Orleans to Orlando flight turbulent?

The MSY–MCO route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 5/100.

When is turbulence worst on MSY to MCO?

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 MSY to MCO?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 717-200 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 9-17. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MSY to MCO?

The MSY to MCO flight takes approximately 1h 25m, covering 581 miles (505 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MSY to MCO?

The main airlines operating this route are Delta, Southwest, Frontier, flying Boeing 717 · CRJ-900 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