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You can probably rest assured that (1) your flight will be as aerodynamically smooth as possible, and (2) it will not take one minute longer than absolutely necessary. I say this based on monitoring air traffic control frequencies for years.
There are two requests airline pilots always seem to make of controllers. One is to seek out "ride reports"; reports from other pilots about how smooth or rough the ride is at various altitudes. For instance, a pilot may be cruising at 35,000 feet and experiencing a moderate bumpiness, or "chop", as they call it.
You'll hear the pilot ask the controller if he has heard any "ride reports" of smoother air either higher or lower than he is presently cruising. The controller might say a (name of airline) pilot reported smooth air at 39,000 feet, or Flight Level 390.
The inquiring pilot will most likely request that he be cleared to climb to Flight Level 390. If there are no traffic conflicts, the request is usually granted. Sometimes the ride is not any better at the new altitude and you'll hear the pilot requesting to try another. Sometimes it gets comical. Airline companies want the smoothest flight possible for its passengers.
The other request heard often is to be cleared to fly "direct" to some location, be it the final destination, or some "intersection" in the sky, as opposed to continuing on the "flight planned" route.
A more direct route means more fuel and time saved. What airline doesn't want to save fuel? What airline doesn't want to get their passengers to their destination on time, or even better, sooner than planned? Again, if there are no traffic conflicts, the requests are usually granted.
Invest in a radio scanner capable of picking up the aircraft band and enjoy the fun.
Maynard