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SEA to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Is the Seattle to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
SEA
→
LAX
Seattle · Los Angeles · 2h 45m
45
Turb Score
2h 45m
Duration
954 nm
Distance
33,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SEA–LAX route

The Seattle to Los Angeles 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 Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 1,098 miles (954 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SEA–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 SEA–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SEA–LAX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–9
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 10–18
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 19+
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

SEA to LAX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → SFO
Los Angeles → San Francisco
Light
LAX → JFK
Los Angeles → New York
Light
DEN → LAX
Denver → Los Angeles
Moderate
ORD → LAX
Chicago → Los Angeles
Light

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The SEA–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 45/100.
When is turbulence worst on SEA to LAX?
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 SEA to LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SEA to LAX?
The SEA to LAX flight takes approximately 2h 45m, covering 1,098 miles (954 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SEA to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.