TPA to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Tampa to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The TPA–LAX route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on TPA to LAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

Q: How long is the flight from TPA to LAX?

The TPA to LAX flight takes approximately 5h.

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

Live forecast

TPA

→

LAX

Tampa · Los Angeles · 5h

5.4

Turb Score

Duration

2,151 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

light-moderate

Typical

⚠️ light-moderate turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store

★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up

Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for TPA–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the TPA–LAX route

The Tampa to Los Angeles domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,475 miles at around 38,000 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 Southwest, American, Spirit on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 2,475 miles (2,151 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on TPA–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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly TPA–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on TPA–LAX

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–14

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 15-22

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 23+

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

Atlanta → Los Angeles

Light

See all us domestic flights →

All TPA routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tampa to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The TPA–LAX route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.4/100.

When is turbulence worst on TPA to LAX?

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 TPA to LAX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from TPA to LAX?

The TPA to LAX flight takes approximately 5h, covering 2,475 miles (2,151 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly TPA to LAX?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, American, Spirit, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 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