When is the Portland to Tulsa 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 PDX to TUL route?

The PDX–TUL route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757. Airlines include Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines.

Is turbulence on PDX to TUL dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PDX–TUL 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 PDX to TUL flight?

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

PDX to TUL Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Portland to Tulsa flight turbulent?

The PDX–TUL route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PDX to TUL?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from PDX to TUL?

The PDX to TUL flight takes approximately 3h 25m, covering 1,529 miles (1,329 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Portland to Tulsa flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

PDX

→

TUL

Portland · Tulsa · 3h 25m

Turb Score

3h 25m

Duration

1,329 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PDX–TUL

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 25m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PDX–TUL route

The Portland to Tulsa route crosses the Rocky Mountains — one of the most turbulent regions in North America. Mountain wave turbulence occurs when strong winds blow over mountain peaks, creating powerful invisible waves that extend to cruise altitude. The worst turbulence typically occurs in the first 30–60 minutes when the aircraft is climbing over the range.

The route is served by Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,529 miles (1,329 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy.

Portland to Tulsa Flight Time

How long is the flight from PDX to TUL?

3h 25m

Flight Time

1,529 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Portland (PDX) to Tulsa (TUL) flight takes approximately 3h 25m, covering 1,529 miles (1,329 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 PDX–TUL

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 PDX–TUL

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PDX–TUL

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

See all mountain routes →

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

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Is Turbulence Dangerous?

What the safety data shows

→

Passenger Reports

Moderate turbulence over the Front Range — the kind where you're glad you kept your seatbelt on. Lasted about 30-40 minutes, then smoothed out. I've had worse on transatlantic routes.

Frequent flyer · May

Flew this in June expecting smooth skies based on past experience, but it was noticeably bumpier than usual. About an hour of moderate chop. Seatbelt sign basically stayed on.

Regular traveler · June

The over the Front Range section was legitimately rough. I was holding on to the armrests. Lasted maybe 40 minutes. One of the flight attendants had to sit down. Not a fun 3h 25m flight but we landed fine.

Solo traveler · February

All PDX routes→ All TUL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Portland to Tulsa flight turbulent?

The PDX–TUL route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 52/100.

When is turbulence worst on PDX to TUL?

Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on PDX to TUL?

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 PDX to TUL?

The PDX to TUL flight takes approximately 3h 25m, covering 1,529 miles (1,329 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PDX to TUL?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 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