When is the Chicago to Richmond 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 ORD to RIC route?

The ORD–RIC route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines.

Is turbulence on ORD to RIC dangerous?

No — turbulence on the ORD–RIC 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 ORD to RIC flight?

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

ORD to RIC Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Chicago to Richmond flight turbulent?

The ORD–RIC route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on ORD to RIC?

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 ORD to RIC?

The ORD to RIC flight takes approximately 1h 50m, covering 641 miles (557 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

ORD

→

RIC

Chicago · Richmond · 1h 50m

Turb Score

1h 50m

Duration

557 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for ORD–RIC

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 50m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the ORD–RIC route

The Chicago to Richmond domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 641 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, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 641 miles (557 nautical miles).

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

Chicago to Richmond Flight Time

How long is the flight from ORD to RIC?

1h 50m

Flight Time

641 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Chicago (ORD) to Richmond (RIC) flight takes approximately 1h 50m, covering 641 miles (557 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on ORD–RIC

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–RIC

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on ORD–RIC

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

BWI → LAX

Baltimore → Los Angeles

Smooth

IAD → LAX

Washington → Los Angeles

light-moderate

CLT → LAX

Charlotte → 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

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

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

Leisure traveler · May

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

Frequent flyer · March

I always expect the worst on longer flights but this one surprised me. Very little turbulence, only a few small bumps on descent. Manageable even for me.

Nervous flyer · March

All ORD routes→ All RIC routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Richmond flight turbulent?

The ORD–RIC route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 29/100.

When is turbulence worst on ORD to RIC?

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 RIC?

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 ORD to RIC?

The ORD to RIC flight takes approximately 1h 50m, covering 641 miles (557 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly ORD to RIC?

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