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ORD to PHX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
ORD
→
PHX
Chicago · Phoenix · 3h 32m
5.8
Turb Score
3h 32m
Duration
1,440 nm
Distance
37,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — ORD to PHX
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for ORD–PHX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 32m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the ORD–PHX route

The Chicago to Phoenix domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,657 miles at around 37,000 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 American, Southwest, United on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,657 miles (1,440 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on ORD–PHX

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 ORD–PHX

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on ORD–PHX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–14
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 15-22
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 23+
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

ORD to PHX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

PHX → ORD
Phoenix → Chicago
light-moderate
LAX → PHX
Los Angeles → Phoenix
Light
LAX → ORD
Los Angeles → Chicago
Light
See all us domestic flights →
All ORD routes→ All PHX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Phoenix flight turbulent?
The ORD–PHX route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.8/100.
When is turbulence worst on ORD to PHX?
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 ORD to PHX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from ORD to PHX?
The ORD to PHX flight takes approximately 3h 32m, covering 1,657 miles (1,440 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly ORD to PHX?
The main airlines operating this route are American, Southwest, United, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft.