When is the Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles 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 RDU to LAX route?

The RDU–LAX route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A321. Airlines include American, Southwest, Delta.

Is turbulence on RDU to LAX dangerous?

No — turbulence on the RDU–LAX 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 RDU to LAX flight?

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

RDU to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The RDU–LAX route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on RDU to LAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A321, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from RDU to LAX?

The RDU to LAX flight takes approximately 5h 30m, covering 2,718 miles (2,362 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet.

Is the Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

RDU

→

LAX

Raleigh-Durham · Los Angeles · 5h 30m

5.5

Turb Score

5h 30m

Duration

2,362 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

light-moderate

Typical

⚠️ light-moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for RDU–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the RDU–LAX route

The Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,718 miles at around 38,000 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, Delta on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 2,718 miles (2,362 nautical miles).

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

Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles Flight Time

How long is the flight from RDU to LAX?

5h 30m

Flight Time

2,718 mi

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Los Angeles (LAX) flight takes approximately 5h 30m, covering 2,718 miles (2,362 nautical miles) at 38,000 feet. The route is operated by American, Southwest, Delta. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on RDU–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 RDU–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on RDU–LAX

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

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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Raleigh → Salt Lake City

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Severe

FCA → LAX

Kalispell → Los Angeles

Severe

MTJ → LAX

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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

Some light chop over the mountains — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in January.

Regular traveler · January

The 5h 30m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · June

Flew Raleigh-Durham–Los Angeles in July, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · July

All RDU routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The RDU–LAX route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.5/100.

When is turbulence worst on RDU to LAX?

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 RDU to LAX?

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 RDU to LAX?

The RDU to LAX flight takes approximately 5h 30m, covering 2,718 miles (2,362 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly RDU to LAX?

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