KJFK KLAX

John F Kennedy International Airport Los Angeles International Airport
Route Information
Departure

KJFK (JFK)

Distance

3,974.2 km (2,145.9 nautical miles)

Arrival

KLAX (LAX)

Flight Time

371 minutes (6h 11m)

Flight Profile

Cruise Altitude: 40,000 ft (Flight Level 400)

Route calculated using great circle navigation

Turbulence Comfort Along Route Comfort View
Comfort Score: Combines turbulence probability (GTG forecast) with intensity (ZTI analysis). High scores indicate both high probability AND high intensity turbulence.
Smooth
Comfortable
Noticeable
Uncomfortable
Formula: (Probability × Intensity)
Flight Smoothness Score
7.8 /10
Smoothness
Mostly Smooth
20%
Smooth
72%
Light
9%
Moderate
AI-Powered Flight Briefing
📊 8,000 data points analyzed
Advanced AI-Powered Flight Briefing
Your Flight

We analysed more than 8,000 data points along your route from John F Kennedy International Airport, New York to Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles.

Your Journey Beta

3 hours 30 minutes, 4 hours 30 minutes, and 4 hours 40 minutes into the flight: Some moderate bumps expected.
The crew may adjust altitude or ask you to stay seated during these sections.
The rest of the flight should be smooth.

Your route takes you over the Appalachian Mountains, over the Rocky Mountains, and over the Sierra Nevada – these areas can sometimes cause turbulence.

Mostly Smooth

Overall conditions look mostly smooth with occasional light bumps. Nothing to worry about.

Takeoff

Takeoff should feel smooth with possible light bumps, with calm conditions around the airport.

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 72 knots. These winds may delay arrival by up to 43 minutes.

Landing

Landing should feel a bit bumpy on descent with typical approach conditions.

You're in Safe Hands

If you feel nervous at any point, remember that turbulence is expected, safe, and part of normal flying. The crew is monitoring everything, and the aircraft is built to handle far more than anything you will feel. Have a safe and calm flight.

Relaxation Exercises
Live data from ECMWF global forecast models • 12 atmospheric pressure levels analyzed • Updated every 6 hours
Most Common
LIGHT
72% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Comfortable flight expected
Route Breakdown (81 zones)
Moderate
7 zones (9%)
Light
58 zones (72%)
Smooth
16 zones (20%)
Forecast Valid: Oct 15, 00:00 UTC (Generated: Oct 15, 00:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 6h 11min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Light
0:30-0:59
Light
0:59-1:28
Light
1:28-1:57
Light
1:57-2:25
Light
2:25-2:53
Light
2:53-3:21
Light
3:21-3:49
Moderate
3:49-4:17
Light
4:17-4:45
Moderate
4:45-5:13
Moderate
5:13-5:41
Light
Landing
Light
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Severe
Longer bars indicate higher turbulence intensity. Values shown are the maximum for each time segment.
Turbulence Metrics ZTI and EDR
Comparing Two Turbulence Metrics:
  • ZTI (ZeroTurb Index): Our proprietary composite metric (0.0-1.0 scale)
  • EDR (Eddy Dissipation Rate): ICAO/WMO official standard (m^(2/3)/s scale)
ZTI Scale (Custom)
Smooth
<0.2
Light
0.2-0.5
Moderate
0.5-0.75
Severe
>0.75
EDR Scale (ICAO)
Smooth
<0.1
Light
0.1-0.4
Moderate
0.4-0.7
Severe
>0.7

Detailed Analysis Below: While flights generally follow these patterns, our forecast combines ECMWF and NOAA weather data, atmospheric conditions, and pilot reports to build a route-specific picture, updated every 6 hours. Review the detailed metrics and interactive maps below for a comprehensive understanding of expected conditions along your flight path.

How Aircraft Size Affects Your Comfort

Did you know that the size of your aircraft can affect how turbulence feels? Larger, wide-body aircraft have more mass and inertia, which means they absorb turbulent air movements more smoothly. Smaller regional jets and turboprops are lighter, so passengers may feel more noticeable movement during the same turbulence conditions.

Important: All commercial aircraft, regardless of size, are designed and certified to safely handle even severe turbulence. The difference is only in passenger comfort - not safety.

Learn more about how aircraft size affects your turbulence experience
Technical Forecast Details Advanced Analysis

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Comprehensive Flight Profile Altitude • Wind • Turbulence

Flight Altitude Profile
  • X-axis: Distance along route (km)
  • Y-axis (left): Aircraft altitude (feet)
  • Blue = Climb phase
  • Green = Cruise phase
  • Orange = Descent phase
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)

Real turbulence reports from pilots who recently flew near your route:

  • Green = Smooth (no turbulence)
  • Yellow = Light turbulence
  • Orange = Moderate turbulence
  • Red = Severe turbulence
Wind Speed
  • Y-axis (right): Wind speed in knots
  • Sudden wind changes often indicate turbulence
  • Hover over points to see wind direction
AI Comfort Forecast
  • Y-axis (right): Comfort Score (0-70)
  • <1 = Smooth (cyan)
  • 1-25 = Light (green)
  • 25-50 = Moderate (orange)
  • >50 = Severe (red)
Tip: Look for areas where multiple indicators coincide (e.g., pilot reports + AI forecast + wind changes) to identify the most likely turbulence zones.
Global Winds Forecast ECMWF Open Data Worldwide Coverage
Route-Specific Forecast: Wind data calculated at 81 waypoints along your flight path using high-resolution ECMWF global weather model (0.25° grid, ~25km resolution).
Minimum Winds
33 kt
37 mph
Average Winds
72 kt
82 mph
Maximum Winds
100 kt
115 mph
Valid: Oct 15, 03:00 UTC
Source: European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
Flight Planning: Headwinds increase flight time and fuel consumption. Tailwinds decrease both. Strong crosswinds may affect takeoff/landing at airports.
Wind Impact Analysis FAIR
Wind Assessment: Moderate headwinds (58 kt avg) will moderately increase flight time. This is typical for this route.
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
62 zones (77%)
Crosswinds
18 zones (22%)
Strong headwinds averaging 58 kt - longer flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
58 kt
Avg Headwind
+43 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 0 kt
• Max Headwind: 81 kt
• Max Crosswind: 71 kt
Wind Speed Along Route ECMWF Forecast
ZeroTurb Index (ZTI) Analysis Custom Algorithm
What is ZTI? Our proprietary ZeroTurb Index combines three meteorological indicators to give you a comprehensive turbulence probability (0.0-1.0 scale). The chart below shows how each component contributes to the overall ZTI along your route:
  • Richardson Number (Ri): Atmospheric stability - lower values indicate CAT risk
  • Wind Shear Index (WSI): Rate of wind speed/direction changes
  • Temperature Gradient Index (TGI): Frontal boundary strength
  • ZTI (Composite): Proprietary composite of the three indices above
ZTI Thresholds: Smooth: 0.0-0.2 Light: 0.2-0.5 Moderate: 0.5-0.75 Severe: 0.75-1.0
Scientific GTG Analysis NOAA Standards
For Aviation Professionals: This section shows turbulence zones using conservative NOAA GTG thresholds. These scientific thresholds are more cautious than the user-friendly "Comfort View" above, which better represents typical passenger experience.

Note: Modern aircraft are designed to handle moderate turbulence effortlessly. What scientific models classify as "moderate" often goes unnoticed by passengers due to advanced flight control systems and aircraft structural design. Most commercial flights encounter some level of atmospheric turbulence that the aircraft manages automatically.
Zone Distribution (Scientific Thresholds)
2%
Smooth (<15%)
2 zones
0%
Light (15-30%)
0 zones
81%
Moderate (30-50%)
66 zones
16%
Severe (≥50% prob)
13 zones
Threshold Comparison
Category Comfort View Scientific (NOAA)
Smooth <20% probability <15% probability
Light 20-50% 15-30%
Moderate 50-75% 30-50%
Severe ≥75% ≥50%
Turbulence Probability Along Route GTG Forecast
Low (0-30%)
Light or no turbulence
Medium (30-50%)
Moderate turbulence likely
High (50-70%)
Moderate-severe expected
Extreme (70-100%)
Severe turbulence
Active SIGMETs (Turbulence Warnings) 2 Warnings
SIGMETs are official warnings about significant turbulence that may affect flight safety. Always consult official aviation weather briefings before flight.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 40,000 ft (FL000 - FL400)
Valid: Oct 15, 00:55 UTC - 02:55 UTC
Movement: W (270°) at 30 kt (~34 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS31 KKCI 150055 MKCE WST 150055 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 1E VALID UNTIL 0255Z MD VA WV OH KY FROM 50SSE JST-20S CSN-50WNW HMV-60ESE CVG-50SSE JST AREA TS MOV FROM 27030KT. TOPS TO FL400.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 40,000 ft (FL000 - FL400)
Valid: Oct 15, 01:55 UTC - 03:55 UTC
Movement: W (270°) at 30 kt (~34 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS31 KKCI 150155 MKCE WST 150155 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 4E VALID UNTIL 0355Z MD VA WV OH KY FROM 40WNW EMI-40S CSN-40NNW HMV-50W HNN-40WNW EMI AREA TS MOV FROM 27030KT. TOPS TO FL400.
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) High Activity

57

Total Strikes

2 min ago

Latest Strike

Active

Ongoing Activity

1 hour

Time Window
Lightning strikes near your route indicate convective activity (thunderstorms). Active storms detected within the last 15 minutes. Areas with lightning typically have severe turbulence, icing, hail, and strong winds. Avoid these areas by at least 20 nautical miles.
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) - 11 Reports
What are PIREPs? Pilot Reports (PIREPs) are real-time observations from pilots flying the route. They are direct, first-hand reports of actual conditions aloft.
Time (UTC) Intensity Altitude Aircraft Report
Airport Forecasts (TAF) - Next 24-30 Hours
Departure: KJFK
Valid: Oct 15 00:00 - Oct 16 06:00 UTC
00:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 5000 ft, SCT 15000 ft
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 320° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 25000 ft
FM 06:00 - 14:00 UTC
Wind: 350° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 25000 ft
FM 14:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 30° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 25000 ft
FM 18:00 - 21:00 UTC
Wind: 60° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 25000 ft
FM 21:00 - 04:00 UTC
Wind: 120° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 25000 ft
FM 04:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 140° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 2000 ft, OVC 3500 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KJFK 142325Z 1500/1606 27011KT P6SM SCT050 SCT150 FM150300 32011KT P6SM FEW250 FM150600 35011KT P6SM FEW250 FM151400 03012KT P6SM FEW250 FM151800 06007KT P6SM SCT250 FM152100 12007KT P6SM SCT250 FM160400 14010KT P6SM SCT020 OVC035
Arrival: KLAX
Forecast Valid: Oct 15 00:00 - Oct 16 06:00 UTC
00:00 - 04:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 04:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 06:00 - 13:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 13:00 - 19:00 UTC
Wind: 50° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 21:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
Raw TAF: 
TAF KLAX 142349Z 1500/1606 26012KT P6SM SKC FM150400 26006KT P6SM SKC FM150600 VRB03KT P6SM SKC FM151300 05005KT P6SM SKC FM151900 24006KT P6SM SKC FM152100 26012KT P6SM SKC
About TAF: Terminal Area Forecasts (TAF) provide detailed 24-30 hour weather forecasts for airports, including wind, visibility, cloud ceiling, and weather phenomena. Updated every 6 hours by NOAA Aviation Weather Center.
Current Airport Weather (METAR)
Departure: KJFK
Temperature: 24°C (75°F) | Dewpoint: 17°C
Wind: 310° at 11 kt
Sky: FEW7000 FEW16000 BKN25000 (Base: 7000 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1013.60 inHg (1014 mb)
Observed: Oct 15 01:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KJFK 150151Z 31011KT 10SM FEW070 FEW160 BKN250 24/17 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP136 T02390167
Arrival: KLAX
Temperature: 22°C (71°F) | Dewpoint: 14°C
Wind: 240° at 9 kt
Sky: CLR
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1017.00 inHg (1017 mb)
Observed: Oct 15 01:53 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KLAX 150153Z 24009KT 10SM CLR 22/14 A3003 RMK AO2 SLP166 T02170139 $
About METAR: Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR) provide current weather observations from airports, including temperature, wind, visibility, clouds, and atmospheric pressure. Updated hourly by NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Flight Categories: VFR (Good), MVFR (Marginal), IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), LIFR (Low Instrument Flight Rules).
Route Segment Analysis

The route has been divided into segments of approximately 500km each for detailed analysis.

Route Map With GTG Forecast Overlay
Data Sources & Our Approach
ZeroTurb's Custom Algorithm: Unlike generic turbulence forecasts, we've developed a proprietary ZeroTurb Index (ZTI) algorithm that combines three meteorological indices weighted by their predictive accuracy. This gives you transparent, passenger-focused turbulence probability (0.0-1.0 scale) instead of vague categories. Our approach processes raw ECMWF atmospheric data through custom calculations to detect Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT), wind shear zones, and frontal boundaries that cause bumpy rides.

This forecast integrates data from:

Disclaimer: This forecast is for informational purposes only. Always consult official aviation weather sources and follow ATC guidance.

How accurate are turbulence alerts? Alerts are based on updated forecast models and pilot reports, and can change as departure approaches.

Flight Insights & Recommendations

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