The Bumpy Truth About Air Travel: Turbulence Insights You Need to Know

Flying's usually pretty chill, like one of the safest ways to get around, you feel me? But when that turbulence hits outta nowhere, it can make your trip a real pain in the ass, or even sketchy as hell for the passengers. Most flights catch a little shake, but this new report's saying some routes are getting rocked way more than others.

In the States, flights from Albuquerque to Denver are catching the most heat. For international trips, folks flying from Mendoza in Argentina to Santiago in Chile are getting the worst of it. This intel and more came from this company called Turbli that's all about tracking turbulence and dropping maps and historical data on this stuff for planes.

Here's the top 10 most turbulent flights in the US, according to their list:

1. Albuquerque (ABQ) to Denver (DEN)
2. Denver (DEN) to Jackson (JAC)
3. Jackson (JAC) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
4. Denver (DEN) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
5. Bozeman (BZN) to Denver (DEN)
6. Ontario (ONT) to San Diego (SAN)
7. Boise (BOI) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
8. Bozeman (BZN) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
9. Las Vegas (LAS) to Reno (RNO)
10. Las Vegas (LAS) to Salt Lake City (SLC)

The report also broke down the airports with the most turbulence, including Denver, Bozeman, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, and Jackson. Vegas came in sixth for most turbulent airports in the US. For comparison, the Nashville to Raleigh/Durham flight was ranked the worst for turbulence in the 2023 report.

The FAA's website breaks it down like this: "Turbulence is air movement you can't see and that usually comes out of nowhere. It can happen for a bunch of reasons, like air pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, or weather fronts and thunderstorms. This shit can pop off even when the sky looks clear."

They're saying it's best to keep your seatbelt on the whole time and listen up to the safety instructions and announcements from the crew to stay safe when things get bumpy. 

Flying is one of the safest and most efficient ways to travel, connecting us to the world’s most exciting destinations. Yet, for many passengers, turbulence is a common fear. That sudden jolt in the sky can turn a calm flight into a nerve-wracking experience. While turbulence is usually harmless, understanding it better can help you stay informed and prepared.

Thanks to advanced tools like Turbli, which monitors turbulence patterns and compiles data on affected routes, we now have a deeper insight into the skies. This report highlights some of the most turbulence-prone flights and airports, offering a clearer picture of where bumps are most likely to occur.

What is Turbulence?

Before diving into the most turbulent routes, let’s break down what turbulence actually is. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), turbulence refers to the irregular or sudden movement of air that affects an aircraft's altitude and motion. It’s essentially "air movement you can’t see," often caused by:

• Jet streams:

•  High-speed air currents at cruising altitudes.

• Weather fronts:

•  The clash of warm and cold air masses.

• Mountain wave turbulence: 

• Air flowing over mountainous terrain creates waves that disrupt flights.

• Thunderstorms:

•  The powerful updrafts and downdrafts in storm systems.

• Clear-air turbulence (CAT):

•  Invisible turbulence that occurs even in cloudless skies.

Turbulence can range from mild vibrations to intense shaking, but it’s worth noting that modern planes are designed to handle these challenges with ease.

The Most Turbulent Flights in the United States

Not all flights are created equal when it comes to turbulence. Some routes experience significantly rougher skies due to their geographic locations or weather conditions. Here’s a look at the top 10 most turbulent flights in the US, as reported by Turbli:

1. Albuquerque (ABQ) to Denver (DEN) – The bumpiest route in the country, thanks to the Rocky Mountains.

2. Denver (DEN) to Jackson (JAC) – Another route crossing mountainous terrain.

3. Jackson (JAC) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – Turbulence-prone due to the valley location of Jackson Hole.

4. Denver (DEN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – The Rockies strike again!

5. Bozeman (BZN) to Denver (DEN) – Mountain wave turbulence frequently affects this route.

6. Ontario (ONT) to San Diego (SAN) – Short flights aren’t immune to bumps.

7. Boise (BOI) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – Another mountainous route that sees frequent turbulence.

8. Bozeman (BZN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – Consistently turbulent due to mountain proximity.

9. Las Vegas (LAS) to Reno (RNO) – Desert thermals make this a bumpy ride.

10. Las Vegas (LAS) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – The combination of desert air and mountain ranges creates instability.

The Most Turbulent Airports in the US

Certain airports are notorious for turbulence due to their geographical features:

• Denver International Airport (DEN):

•  Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, it experiences strong mountain wave turbulence.

• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN):

•  Its proximity to Yellowstone National Park contributes to turbulent conditions.

• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC):

•  Surrounded by mountains, the air currents are often uneven.

• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC):

•  Nestled in a valley, it’s prone to air disruptions.

• Las Vegas (LAS): 

• Hot desert air contributes to turbulence during takeoff and landing.

International Turbulence Hotspots

If you’re traveling internationally, some routes are just as turbulent. The most notable? Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile. This flight crosses the towering Andes mountains, where airflows often create severe mountain wave turbulence.

Why Turbulence Happens on These Routes

Understanding why certain routes are more turbulent can help ease travel anxiety. Many of the US’s most turbulent flights cross mountainous terrain like the Rockies or Sierra Nevada, where winds and air currents are disrupted. Similarly, international routes like those over the Andes or Himalayas face turbulence due to their high altitudes and rugged landscapes.

Desert regions, like those around Las Vegas and Reno, can also create thermal turbulence as hot air rises rapidly.

How to Stay Safe During Turbulence

While turbulence can feel unsettling, it’s almost never dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe and comfortable:

• Keep your seatbelt on:

 Even when the seatbelt sign is off, it’s a good idea to stay buckled in your seat.

• Follow crew instructions:

 Flight attendants are trained to handle turbulence, so listen to their advice.

• Store belongings securely:

 Avoid loose items that could become projectiles.

• Choose your seat wisely:

 Seats over the wings tend to experience less turbulence than those at the back of the plane.

• Stay informed: 

Use tools like Turbli to check turbulence patterns before your flight.

The Future of Turbulence Tracking

With tools like Turbli providing turbulence forecasts and historical data, passengers can now plan their trips more confidently. Airlines can also use this information to optimize flight paths and minimize turbulence exposure.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Turbulence Ground Your Wanderlust

While turbulence is a natural part of flying, it doesn’t have to ruin your travel experience. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate bumpy skies with ease.

🌍 Ready for your next adventure? Visit TrvAtlas for more travel insights, tips, and destination guides that make flying—and exploring—easier than ever.

Whether you’re braving the Rockies or cruising over the Andes, TrvAtlas has you covered. Let’s explore the world, one destination at a time.