When is the Madrid to Los Angeles 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 MAD to LAX route?

The MAD–LAX route is typically operated by A · i · r · b · u · s · · A · 3 · 5 · 0. Airlines include Iberia, American Airlines, Level.

Is turbulence on MAD to LAX dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MAD–LAX 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 MAD to LAX flight?

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

MAD to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Madrid to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The MAD–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MAD to LAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a A · i · r · b · u · s · · A · 3 · 5 · 0, that's rows 24-36. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The MAD to LAX flight takes approximately 12h 0min, covering 6,633 miles (5,765 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MAD

→

LAX

Madrid · Los Angeles · 12h 0min

Turb Score

12h 0min

Duration

5,765 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MAD–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h12h 0min

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MAD–LAX route

The Madrid to Los Angeles route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 37,000 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 Iberia, American Airlines, Level on A · i · r · b · u · s · · A · 3 · 5 · 0 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 6,633 miles (5,765 nautical miles).

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

Madrid to Los Angeles Flight Time

How long is the flight from MAD to LAX?

12h 0min

Flight Time

6,633 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Aircraft

The Madrid (MAD) to Los Angeles (LAX) flight takes approximately 12h 0min, covering 6,633 miles (5,765 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Iberia, American Airlines, Level. Return flights (LAX to MAD) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on MAD–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

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Best time to fly MAD–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MAD–LAX

348

Front

Rows 1–23

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 24-36

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 37+

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

Jackson Hole → Los Angeles

Severe

FCA → LAX

Kalispell → Los Angeles

Severe

MTJ → LAX

Montrose → Los Angeles

Severe

See all transatlantic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

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Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Moderate turbulence over the North Atlantic — 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 · December

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

Leisure traveler · December

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

Nervous flyer · June

All MAD routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Madrid to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The MAD–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 6/100.

When is turbulence worst on MAD to LAX?

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 MAD to LAX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a 348 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 24-36. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MAD to LAX?

The MAD to LAX flight takes approximately 12h 0min, covering 6,633 miles (5,765 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MAD to LAX?

The main airlines operating this route are Iberia, American Airlines, Level, flying A · i · r · b · u · s · · A · 3 · 5 · 0 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