When is the Philadelphia 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 PHL to TUL route?

The PHL–TUL route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on PHL to TUL dangerous?

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

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

PHL to TUL Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Philadelphia to Tulsa flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PHL to TUL?

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 PHL to TUL?

The PHL to TUL flight takes approximately 2h 40m, covering 1,150 miles (999 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

PHL

→

TUL

Philadelphia · Tulsa · 2h 40m

Turb Score

2h 40m

Duration

999 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PHL–TUL

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 40m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PHL–TUL route

The Philadelphia to Tulsa domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,150 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 American Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,150 miles (999 nautical miles).

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

Philadelphia to Tulsa Flight Time

How long is the flight from PHL to TUL?

2h 40m

Flight Time

1,150 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Philadelphia (PHL) to Tulsa (TUL) flight takes approximately 2h 40m, covering 1,150 miles (999 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on PHL–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 PHL–TUL

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PHL–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

PHL → ATL

Philadelphia → Atlanta

Smooth

PHL → ORD

Philadelphia → Chicago

Philadelphia → Denver

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Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

Flew Philadelphia–Tulsa in May, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · May

The 2h 40m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · March

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 · March

All PHL routes→ All TUL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Philadelphia to Tulsa flight turbulent?

The PHL–TUL route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 38/100.

When is turbulence worst on PHL to TUL?

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 PHL 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 PHL to TUL?

The PHL to TUL flight takes approximately 2h 40m, covering 1,150 miles (999 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PHL to TUL?

The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, Southwest 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