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SLC to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Is the Salt Lake City to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
SLC
→
LAX
Salt Lake City · Los Angeles · 2h 0m
52
Turb Score
2h 0m
Duration
513 nm
Distance
30,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SLC–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 0m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SLC–LAX route

The Salt Lake City 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 Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 30,000 feet over a distance of 590 miles (513 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SLC–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 SLC–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SLC–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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → SLC
Los Angeles → Salt Lake City
Light
DEN → LAX
Denver → Los Angeles
Moderate
LAX → PHX
Los Angeles → Phoenix
Light
SEA → LAX
Seattle → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → LAS
Los Angeles → Las Vegas
Smooth
DEN → SFO
Denver → San Francisco
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Salt Lake City to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The SLC–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 52/100.
When is turbulence worst on SLC 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 SLC 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 SLC to LAX?
The SLC to LAX flight takes approximately 2h 0m, covering 590 miles (513 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SLC to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.