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PHX to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
PHX
→
LAX
Phoenix · Los Angeles · 1h 15m
40
Turb Score
1h 15m
Duration
322 nm
Distance
25,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PHX–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 15m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the PHX–LAX route

The Phoenix to Los Angeles 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 American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 25,000 feet over a distance of 370 miles (322 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on PHX–LAX

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 PHX–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on PHX–LAX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–7
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 8–14
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 15+
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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → PHX
Los Angeles → Phoenix
Light
PHX → JFK
Phoenix → New York
Light
LAS → LAX
Las Vegas → Los Angeles
Smooth
LAX → JFK
Los Angeles → New York
Light
DEN → LAX
Denver → Los Angeles
Moderate
ORD → LAX
Chicago → Los Angeles
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Phoenix to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The PHX–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 40/100.
When is turbulence worst on PHX to LAX?
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 PHX to LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 8–14. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from PHX to LAX?
The PHX to LAX flight takes approximately 1h 15m, covering 370 miles (322 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly PHX to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.