When is the Mazatlán to Chicago 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 MZT to ORD route?

The MZT–ORD route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines.

Is turbulence on MZT to ORD dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MZT–ORD 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 MZT to ORD flight?

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

MZT to ORD Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Mazatlán to Chicago flight turbulent?

The MZT–ORD route typically experiences light turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MZT to ORD?

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.

Q: How long is the flight from MZT to ORD?

The MZT to ORD flight takes approximately 4h 00m, covering 1,676 miles (1,456 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Mazatlán to Chicago flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MZT

→

ORD

Mazatlán · Chicago · 4h 00m

33.3

Turb Score

4h 00m

Duration

1,456 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MZT–ORD

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 00m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MZT–ORD route

The Mazatlán to Chicago route is one of the most popular leisure routes in North America, covering 1,676 miles over warm Caribbean waters. Turbulence is generally light — the main exception is tropical convective activity (thunderstorm-related turbulence) during hurricane season (June–November). Pilots typically route around storm cells when possible.

The route is served by LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,676 miles (1,456 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mostly smooth. Hurricane season (Jun–Nov) can bring convective turbulence.

Mazatlán to Chicago Flight Time

How long is the flight from MZT to ORD?

4h 00m

Flight Time

1,676 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Mazatlán (MZT) to Chicago (ORD) flight takes approximately 4h 00m, covering 1,676 miles (1,456 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MZT–ORD

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 MZT–ORD

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MZT–ORD

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

Jackson Hole → Chicago

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Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

The 4h 00m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · January

Flew Mazatlán–Chicago in March, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · March

Some light chop over the islands — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in May.

Regular traveler · May

All MZT routes→ All ORD routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazatlán to Chicago flight turbulent?

The MZT–ORD route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 33.3/100.

When is turbulence worst on MZT to ORD?

Mostly smooth. Hurricane season (Jun–Nov) can bring convective turbulence. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on MZT to ORD?

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 MZT to ORD?

The MZT to ORD flight takes approximately 4h 00m, covering 1,676 miles (1,456 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MZT to ORD?

The main airlines operating this route are LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines, 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