ATL → MCOSome bumps possible

Is the flight from Atlanta to Orlando bumpy?

The Atlanta–Orlando flight is usually smooth, with some bumpy stretches at certain times of year. Here is where the plane can move, when it happens most, and how to check today’s forecast for your flight.

One of the world’s busiest air routes: it appears in OAG’s list of the routes with the most seats in 2025.

651 km404 miles

1 h 15 minapprox. flight time

10–12 kmusual cruising altitude

See today’s forecast for this flight →

Where the plane can move

On a short flight most of the time is spent climbing and descending. That is when you pass through clouds and the air near the ground, which is where most bumps happen; at cruise it is usually calm.

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico: hurricane season

The route crosses the Atlantic hurricane area. The season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. When there is one, airlines reroute or cancel flights: nobody flies through a hurricane. The rest of the summer brings afternoon storms that planes fly around.

When: June to November, especially August to October

At the airports

In Orlando, from May to October, afternoon thunderstorms are common. Morning flights usually have fewer bumps.

Today’s warnings in the area

Live map of turbulence and storm warnings issued to pilots (SIGMET and AIRMET), updated every few minutes.

Tips for this flight

Seats over the wings usually feel the least movement; the back of the plane feels the most.
Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated, even with the sign off. The FAA warns that turbulence can throw unbelted passengers from their seats without warning.
If the captain switches on the seatbelt sign, it is a precaution: turbulence is a normal part of flying.
In the tropics, morning flights usually meet fewer storms than afternoon ones.

Frequently asked questions

Is turbulence dangerous on the Atlanta–Orlando flight?

Turbulence is common and usually just uncomfortable. According to the FAA, the real risk is for people not wearing a seatbelt, who can be thrown from their seats, so keep it fastened while seated.

When is the Atlanta–Orlando flight bumpiest?

Based on the areas the route crosses: June to November, especially August to October.

Where should I sit to feel less turbulence?

Over the wings, near the plane’s centre of gravity. The rear of the cabin moves the most.

Other routes

Nervous about flying? Try the three breathing exercises for a calm flight or look at the live turbulence maps.