When is the Phoenix to Las Vegas 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 PHX to LAS route?

The PHX–LAS route is typically operated by Embraer 175 · Airbus A320. Airlines include Southwest, Spirit, United, American.

Is turbulence on PHX to LAS dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PHX–LAS 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 PHX to LAS flight?

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

PHX to LAS Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Phoenix to Las Vegas flight turbulent?

The PHX–LAS route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PHX to LAS?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Embraer 175 · Airbus A320, that's rows 12-18. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from PHX to LAS?

The PHX to LAS flight takes approximately 0h 32m, covering 258 miles (225 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

PHX

→

LAS

Phoenix · Las Vegas · 0h 32m

5.2

Turb Score

0h 32m

Duration

225 nm

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

light-moderate

Typical

⚠️ light-moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PHX–LAS

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h0h 32m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PHX–LAS route

The Phoenix to Las Vegas domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 258 miles at around 33,000 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, Spirit, United, American on Embraer 175 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 258 miles (225 nautical miles).

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

Phoenix to Las Vegas Flight Time

How long is the flight from PHX to LAS?

0h 32m

Flight Time

258 mi

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Embraer 175

Aircraft

The Phoenix (PHX) to Las Vegas (LAS) flight takes approximately 0h 32m, covering 258 miles (225 nautical miles) at 33,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest, Spirit, United, American. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on PHX–LAS

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 PHX–LAS

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PHX–LAS

Embraer 175

Front

Rows 1–11

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 12-18

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 19+

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

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Milwaukee → Las Vegas

Light

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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

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Phoenix–Las Vegas in March, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · March

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

First-time flyer · July

A few bumpy patches crossing the Rockies, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · January

All PHX routes→ All LAS routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Phoenix to Las Vegas flight turbulent?

The PHX–LAS route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.2/100.

When is turbulence worst on PHX to LAS?

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 PHX to LAS?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Embraer 175 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12-18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from PHX to LAS?

The PHX to LAS flight takes approximately 0h 32m, covering 258 miles (225 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PHX to LAS?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, Spirit, United, American, flying Embraer 175 · Airbus A320 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