Turbulence can turn even the most seasoned traveler into a white-knuckled armrest clinger. While turbulence is a natural part of air travel, caused by factors like jet streams, mountain airflows, and weather fronts, some flight routes are notorious for their bumpy rides. According to a report by Turbli, a turbulence tracking company, certain U.S. routes are more prone to these airborne rollercoaster moments. Whether it’s the rugged terrain of the Rockies or the unpredictable weather patterns of the West, these routes have earned their reputation for keeping passengers on their toes—or rather, firmly in their seats with seatbelts fastened.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most turbulent U.S. flight routes, as identified by Turbli’s 2024 study. From Albuquerque to Denver and Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, these routes are not for the faint of heart. But don’t worry—turbulence, while uncomfortable, is rarely dangerous.
Albuquerque (ABQ) - Denver (DEN)
Flying from Albuquerque to Denver might be short, but it’s packed with enough turbulence to keep you gripping your armrest. At just 349 miles, this route is a quick hop over the Rockies, but those mountains are the very reason for the bumpy ride. The rugged terrain creates unpredictable air currents, especially when weather fronts roll in. Airlines like Southwest, United, and Delta operate this route, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from—just make sure to pick a seatbelt-friendly one (spoiler: they all are).
In terms of emissions, this flight emits around 0.15 to 0.2 metric tons of CO2 per passenger, which is comparable to driving the 467-mile route in a car. While the environmental impact is something to consider, the convenience of a 90-minute flight often wins out.
Denver (DEN) - Jackson Hole, WY (JAC)
This flight is a nature lover’s dream—if you can keep your eyes open through the turbulence. The route from Denver to Jackson Hole takes you over some of the most stunning landscapes in the U.S., including the Rockies and the Tetons. But those same mountains are also the reason your drink might end up in your lap. The air currents here are as unpredictable as a toddler with a sugar rush, making this one of the bumpiest rides in the country.
At just over 400 miles, this flight is another short one, clocking in at about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Airlines like United and Delta frequently operate this route, so you’re in good hands. Emissions are similar to the Albuquerque-Denver route, averaging around 0.2 metric tons of CO2 per passenger. The key to surviving this flight? Embrace the bumps, keep your seatbelt fastened, and maybe skip the in-flight Sudoku—it’s hard to focus when your tray table is doing the cha-cha.
Jackson Hole, WY (JAC) - Salt Lake City (SLC)
Flying from Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City is a short but memorable journey, especially if you enjoy a little aerial excitement. This 205-mile route takes you over the Teton and Wasatch mountain ranges, where the air currents love to show off their unpredictable nature. The flight itself is quick, lasting about 50 minutes, but the turbulence can make it feel like you’re on a theme park ride—minus the safety bar that comes down over your shoulders.
Airlines like Delta and United operate this route, ensuring you have reliable options for your trip. In terms of emissions, this flight produces around 0.1 metric tons of CO2 per passenger, making it one of the lower-impact routes on this list. Before you know it, you’ll be descending into Salt Lake City, ready to swap the turbulence for terra firma.
Bozeman, MT (BZN) - Denver (DEN)
The flight from Bozeman to Denver is a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the U.S.—if you can keep your stomach steady long enough to enjoy it. Covering about 533 miles, this route takes just under 1.5 hours, but the turbulence can make it feel like a much longer ride. The Rocky Mountains are once again the main culprit, with their rugged peaks and swirling air currents creating a bumpy experience that’s as unpredictable as the Montana weather.
Airlines like United and Southwest frequently operate this route, ensuring plenty of options for travelers. In terms of emissions, this flight produces around 0.25 metric tons of CO2 per passenger, making it slightly higher than shorter routes but still efficient compared to driving the 700+ miles. If you’re on this flight, keep your seatbelt fastened, skip the in-flight coffee, and maybe take a moment to marvel at the Rockies—when the plane isn’t shaking like a snow globe, that is.
Ontario, CA (ONT) - San Diego (SAN)
At just 96 miles, the flight from Ontario to San Diego is one of the shortest on this list, but don’t let the distance fool you—it’s still a contender for turbulence. The route hugs Southern California’s coastal and inland mountain ranges, where shifting air currents and occasional weather fronts can make for a bumpy ride. It’s a quick hop, lasting about 40 minutes, but the turbulence can make it feel like you’re in a blender set to “pulse.”
Southwest Airlines is a common operator for this route, offering frequent flights for business and leisure travelers alike. Emissions for this short journey are relatively low, averaging around 0.05 metric tons of CO2 per passenger. While the flight is brief, it’s still a good idea to keep your seatbelt fastened and your tray table locked.
Boise (BOI) - Salt Lake City (SLC)
The Boise to Salt Lake City route is a quick 290-mile flight that packs a surprising amount of turbulence into its short duration. Clocking in at just under an hour, this journey takes you over the Snake River Plain and into the Wasatch Range, where the air currents can get a little feisty. It’s not uncommon to feel a few jolts as the plane navigates the shifting winds, especially during seasonal weather changes.
Delta and Southwest Airlines are the primary carriers for this route, offering frequent flights throughout the day. Emissions for this trip are on the lower end, averaging about 0.1 metric tons of CO2 per passenger. The best way to handle this flight? Keep your seatbelt fastened, enjoy the aerial views of Idaho’s rolling plains, and remind yourself that the bumps are just part of the adventure.
Bozeman, MT (BZN) - Salt Lake City (SLC)
The flight from Bozeman to Salt Lake City is a short but lively 347-mile journey that takes you over the Rocky Mountains and into the Wasatch Range. At just over an hour, it’s a quick trip, but the turbulence can make it feel like you’re riding a bucking bronco in the sky. The mountainous terrain and shifting air currents are the usual suspects, creating a bumpy ride that’s as unpredictable as Montana’s weather.
Delta Airlines is a frequent operator on this route, ensuring reliable service for travelers. Emissions for this flight are moderate, averaging around 0.15 metric tons of CO2 per passenger.
Las Vegas (LAS) - Reno (RNO)
The flight from Las Vegas to Reno might be short at 345 miles, but it’s a wild ride through the skies of Nevada. This route takes you over the Sierra Nevada mountains, where the air currents can be as unpredictable as a slot machine. At just over an hour, the flight is quick, but the turbulence can make it feel like you’re on an airborne rollercoaster. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a smooth ride; if not, well, consider it a free thrill before you hit the casinos.
Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines are common carriers on this route, offering frequent flights for both tourists and business travelers. Emissions for this journey are around 0.15 metric tons of CO2 per passenger, making it a relatively efficient option compared to driving the 450 miles.
Denver (DEN) - Aspen (ASE)
The Denver to Aspen route is a short but unforgettable 125-mile journey that feels more like an adventure than a commute. This flight takes you deep into the heart of the Rockies, where the stunning mountain views are matched only by the turbulence caused by the rugged terrain. At just 40 minutes, it’s a quick trip, but the approach into Aspen’s airport—nestled in a narrow valley—can make even seasoned travelers grip their armrests a little tighter.
United Airlines is the primary carrier for this route, offering frequent flights to connect Denver’s hub with the luxury and adventure of Aspen. Emissions for this short flight are relatively low, averaging about 0.08 metric tons of CO2 per passenger. Once you’re on the ground, you’ll be rewarded with Aspen’s breathtaking scenery and world-class skiing—or just a cozy fireside retreat.
