Is the flight from Mexico City to New York bumpy?
The Mexico City–New York 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.
Where the plane can move
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.
At the airports
Mexico City sits at over 2,200 metres and in the rainy season (May to October) afternoon storms are common. Morning flights are usually calmer on arrival or departure.
New York gets summer afternoon storms and winter gales; in strong winds the arrival can be a bit bumpier.
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 Mexico City–New York 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 Mexico City–New York 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
- Madrid – New York
- Madrid – Mexico City
- Barcelona – New York
- New York – London
- New York – Los Angeles
- New York – Miami
Nervous about flying? Try the three breathing exercises for a calm flight or look at the live turbulence maps.