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SEA to ORD Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SEA
→
ORD
Seattle · Chicago · 3h 50m
50
Turb Score
3h 50m
Duration
1,495 nm
Distance
35,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–ORD

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 50m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SEA–ORD route

The Seattle to Chicago domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,721 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 Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,721 miles (1,495 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SEA–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 SEA–ORD

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SEA–ORD

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–9
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 10–20
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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

ORD → SEA
Chicago → Seattle
Light
SEA → LAX
Seattle → Los Angeles
Light
SEA → JFK
Seattle → New York
Light
ORD → LAX
Chicago → Los Angeles
Light
SEA → SFO
Seattle → San Francisco
Light
ORD → DFW
Chicago → Dallas
Light
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Chicago flight turbulent?
The SEA–ORD route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 50/100.
When is turbulence worst on SEA 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 SEA to ORD?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SEA to ORD?
The SEA to ORD flight takes approximately 3h 50m, covering 1,721 miles (1,495 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SEA to ORD?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.