When is the Sofia to Ponta Delgada 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 SOF to PDL route?

The SOF–PDL route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP.

Is turbulence on SOF to PDL dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SOF–PDL 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 SOF to PDL flight?

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

SOF to PDL Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Sofia to Ponta Delgada flight turbulent?

The SOF–PDL route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SOF to PDL?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 10-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Is the Sofia to Ponta Delgada flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SOF

→

PDL

Sofia · Ponta Delgada · 5h

Turb Score

Duration

2,239 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SOF–PDL

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SOF–PDL route

The Sofia to Ponta Delgada route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 35,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 2,577 miles (2,239 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Sofia to Ponta Delgada Flight Time

How long is the flight from SOF to PDL?

Flight Time

2,577 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Sofia (SOF) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) flight takes approximately 5h, covering 2,577 miles (2,239 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP. Return flights (PDL to SOF) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SOF–PDL

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 SOF–PDL

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SOF–PDL

Airbus A320

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

See all transatlantic flights →

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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

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

Moderate turbulence over the Midwest — the kind where you're glad you kept your seatbelt on. Lasted about 30-40 minutes, then smoothed out. I've had worse on transatlantic routes.

Frequent flyer · February

This was genuinely difficult for me. Real bumps for a long stretch over the plains, seatbelt sign on for what felt like forever. The flight attendants were calm which helped. Got through it.

Nervous flyer · August

More turbulent than I expected. The over the mountains section was pretty rough — overhead bins rattling, some gasps from other passengers. Died down before landing.

Leisure traveler · January

All SOF routes→ All PDL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sofia to Ponta Delgada flight turbulent?

The SOF–PDL route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 4/100.

When is turbulence worst on SOF to PDL?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SOF to PDL?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (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 SOF to PDL?

The SOF to PDL flight takes approximately 5h, covering 2,577 miles (2,239 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SOF to PDL?

The main airlines operating this route are SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP, 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