When is the New Orleans 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 MSY to MDW route?

The MSY–MDW route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines.

Is turbulence on MSY to MDW dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MSY–MDW 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 MDW flight?

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

MSY to MDW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the New Orleans to Chicago flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MSY to MDW?

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 MSY to MDW?

The MSY to MDW flight takes approximately 2h 10m, covering 827 miles (719 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MSY

→

MDW

New Orleans · Chicago · 2h 10m

Turb Score

2h 10m

Duration

719 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 MSY–MDW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 10m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MSY–MDW route

The New Orleans to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 827 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 Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 827 miles (719 nautical miles).

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

New Orleans to Chicago Flight Time

How long is the flight from MSY to MDW?

2h 10m

Flight Time

827 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The New Orleans (MSY) to Chicago (MDW) flight takes approximately 2h 10m, covering 827 miles (719 nautical miles) at 35,000 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 MSY–MDW

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 MSY–MDW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MSY–MDW

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

MSY → ATL

New Orleans → Atlanta

Moderate

MSY → ORD

New Orleans → Chicago

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

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

The 2h 10m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · July

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

First-time flyer · June

Flew New Orleans–Chicago in January, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · January

All MSY routes→ All MDW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the New Orleans to Chicago flight turbulent?

The MSY–MDW 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 MSY to MDW?

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 MDW?

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 MSY to MDW?

The MSY to MDW flight takes approximately 2h 10m, covering 827 miles (719 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MSY to MDW?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest Airlines, Spirit 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