When is the Phoenix to Salt Lake City 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 SLC route?

The PHX–SLC route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320. Airlines include Southwest, American, Spirit, Delta.

Is turbulence on PHX to SLC dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PHX–SLC 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 SLC flight?

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

PHX to SLC Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Phoenix to Salt Lake City flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PHX to SLC?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The PHX to SLC flight takes approximately 0h 59m, covering 509 miles (443 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet.

Is the Phoenix to Salt Lake City flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

PHX

→

SLC

Phoenix · Salt Lake City · 0h 59m

5.7

Turb Score

0h 59m

Duration

443 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–SLC

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h0h 59m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PHX–SLC route

The Phoenix to Salt Lake City domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 509 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, American, Spirit, Delta on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 509 miles (443 nautical miles).

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

Phoenix to Salt Lake City Flight Time

How long is the flight from PHX to SLC?

0h 59m

Flight Time

509 mi

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Phoenix (PHX) to Salt Lake City (SLC) flight takes approximately 0h 59m, covering 509 miles (443 nautical miles) at 33,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest, American, Spirit, Delta. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on PHX–SLC

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–SLC

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PHX–SLC

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

Similar routes

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Severe

PDX → SLC

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Severe

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Severe

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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

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

Frequent flyer · March

The 0h 59m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · September

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 · January

All PHX routes→ All SLC routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Phoenix to Salt Lake City flight turbulent?

The PHX–SLC route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.7/100.

When is turbulence worst on PHX to SLC?

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 SLC?

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 SLC?

The PHX to SLC flight takes approximately 0h 59m, covering 509 miles (443 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PHX to SLC?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, American, Spirit, Delta, flying Boeing 737 · 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