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PHX to ORD Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
PHX
→
ORD
Phoenix · Chicago · 3h 30m
5.8
Turb Score
3h 30m
Duration
1,440 nm
Distance
37,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PHX–ORD

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the PHX–ORD route

The Phoenix to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,657 miles at around 37,000 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, Southwest, United on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,657 miles (1,440 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on PHX–ORD

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–ORD

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on PHX–ORD

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–14
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 15-22
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 23+
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 ORD turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

PHX → LAX
Phoenix → Los Angeles
Light
ORD → LAX
Chicago → Los Angeles
Light
See all us domestic flights →
All PHX routes→ All ORD routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Phoenix to Chicago flight turbulent?
The PHX–ORD route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.8/100.
When is turbulence worst on PHX to ORD?
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 ORD?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from PHX to ORD?
The PHX to ORD flight takes approximately 3h 30m, covering 1,657 miles (1,440 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly PHX to ORD?
The main airlines operating this route are American, Southwest, United, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft.