When is the Richmond to Chicago 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 RIC to MDW route?

The RIC–MDW route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on RIC to MDW dangerous?

No — turbulence on the RIC–MDW 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 RIC to MDW flight?

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

RIC to MDW Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Richmond to Chicago flight turbulent?

The RIC–MDW route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on RIC to MDW?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from RIC to MDW?

The RIC to MDW flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 628 miles (546 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

RIC

→

MDW

Richmond · Chicago · 1h 45m

Turb Score

1h 45m

Duration

546 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for RIC–MDW

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 45m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the RIC–MDW route

The Richmond to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 628 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 Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 628 miles (546 nautical miles).

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

Richmond to Chicago Flight Time

How long is the flight from RIC to MDW?

1h 45m

Flight Time

628 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Richmond (RIC) to Chicago (MDW) flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 628 miles (546 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on RIC–MDW

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 RIC–MDW

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on RIC–MDW

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–11

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 12–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

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

PHL → LAX

Philadelphia → Los Angeles

Light

BWI → LAX

Baltimore → Los Angeles

Smooth

IAD → LAX

Washington → Los Angeles

light-moderate

CLT → LAX

Charlotte → Los Angeles

Light

See all us domestic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Fly this route pretty regularly for work. Most of the time it's smooth — May was completely fine, not a bump worth mentioning.

Business traveler · May

Was nervous about this flight but honestly didn't need to be. Smooth the whole way, the 1h 45m went by fast.

First-time passenger · January

Did Richmond to Chicago last March and it was genuinely one of the smoothest long-haul flights I've had. Barely any movement the whole way.

Frequent flyer · March

All RIC routes→ All MDW routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Richmond to Chicago flight turbulent?

The RIC–MDW route typically experiences smooth turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 29/100.

When is turbulence worst on RIC to MDW?

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 RIC to MDW?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from RIC to MDW?

The RIC to MDW flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 628 miles (546 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly RIC to MDW?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · 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