When is the Santiago to Buenos Aires 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 SCL to BUE route?

The SCL–BUE route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Sky Airline, LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas.

Is turbulence on SCL to BUE dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SCL–BUE 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 SCL to BUE flight?

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

SCL to BUE Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Santiago to Buenos Aires flight turbulent?

The SCL–BUE route typically experiences severe turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SCL to BUE?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 14-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SCL to BUE?

The SCL to BUE flight takes approximately 2h 35m, covering 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Santiago to Buenos Aires flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SCL

→

BUE

Santiago · Buenos Aires · 2h 35m

11.2

Turb Score

2h 35m

Duration

963 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

severe

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SCL–BUE

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 35m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SCL–BUE route

The Santiago to Buenos Aires route crosses the Rocky Mountains — one of the most turbulent regions in North America. Mountain wave turbulence occurs when strong winds blow over mountain peaks, creating powerful invisible waves that extend to cruise altitude. The worst turbulence typically occurs in the first 30–60 minutes when the aircraft is climbing over the range.

The route is served by Sky Airline, LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy.

Santiago to Buenos Aires Flight Time

How long is the flight from SCL to BUE?

2h 35m

Flight Time

1,108 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Santiago (SCL) to Buenos Aires (BUE) flight takes approximately 2h 35m, covering 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Sky Airline, LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on SCL–BUE

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 SCL–BUE

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SCL–BUE

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14-20

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

Santiago → Buenos Aires

Heavy

See all mountain routes →

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

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Santiago–Buenos Aires in June, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · June

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

Frequent flyer · August

The 2h 35m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · January

All SCL routes→ All BUE routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Santiago to Buenos Aires flight turbulent?

The SCL–BUE route typically experiences severe turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 11.2/100.

When is turbulence worst on SCL to BUE?

Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SCL to BUE?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SCL to BUE?

The SCL to BUE flight takes approximately 2h 35m, covering 1,108 miles (963 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SCL to BUE?

The main airlines operating this route are Sky Airline, LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, flying Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 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