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RDU to ORD Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
RDU
→
ORD
Raleigh-Durham · Chicago · 2h 17m
5.4
Turb Score
2h 17m
Duration
648 nm
Distance
35,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for RDU–ORD

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 17m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the RDU–ORD route

The Raleigh-Durham to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 746 miles at around 35,000 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, United, Delta on Boeing 737 · Embraer 175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 746 miles (648 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on RDU–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 RDU–ORD

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on RDU–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

RDU to ORD turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

RDU → JFK
Raleigh-Durham → New York
light
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Raleigh-Durham to Chicago flight turbulent?
The RDU–ORD route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.4/100.
When is turbulence worst on RDU 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 RDU 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 RDU to ORD?
The RDU to ORD flight takes approximately 2h 17m, covering 746 miles (648 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly RDU to ORD?
The main airlines operating this route are American, United, Delta, flying Boeing 737 · Embraer 175 aircraft.