Anchorage to Des Moines Turbulence Forecast

ANC → DSM · 2,670 miles · ~5h 50m

What to Expect

Your flight from Anchorage to Des Moines, about 2670 miles heading east, crosses some terrain known for turbulence. Much of your flight will be over the Great Plains and the Upper Midwest. These areas are often subject to clear-air turbulence, or CAT. CAT is caused by sudden changes in wind speed and direction at high altitudes. The good news is that CAT is usually forecastable, and pilots are very skilled at either avoiding it, or managing the bumps if they can't go around. It's a normal part of flying, especially on routes like this, and your flight crew is well-prepared to handle it. This flight is approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes in duration. While that sounds like a long time, turbulence is often intermittent; it's unlikely that you'll experience bumps for the entire flight.

Between Anchorage and Des Moines, the route crosses the Great Plains, a vast, flat expanse where clear-air turbulence from jet stream undulations is the primary concern at cruise altitude. The lack of terrain features means mountain wave turbulence is absent, but the jet stream frequently meanders over this region, creating wind shear zones at flight levels.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel in the summer or early fall. The atmosphere is generally more stable during these months. Winter and early spring tend to be bumpier. The jet stream is stronger and more erratic then, which can lead to more pronounced clear-air turbulence over both the Great Plains and the Upper Midwest. These seasonal shifts affect air travel across much of North America, so pilots are used to dealing with them.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence on this route, booking a morning flight can sometimes mean a slightly smoother ride. The air tends to be calmer earlier in the day. If you do experience turbulence, know that it usually feels like driving on a bumpy road for a few minutes. Choose a seat over the wing; that area tends to experience less motion. Remember to stay hydrated, and focus on slow, steady breathing; this can help you feel more relaxed. Your crew is there to support you, and turbulence is a routine part of their job.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.