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

362 minutes (6h 2m)

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
9.2 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
70%
Smooth
26%
Light
4%
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

49 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.

Smooth Flight

We're expecting smooth conditions throughout your flight. You can sit back and relax.

Takeoff

Takeoff should feel a bit bumpy initially, with calm conditions around the airport.

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 24 knots. These winds may delay arrival by a few minutes.

Landing

Landing should feel smooth with possible light bumps 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
SMOOTH
70% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Brief sections only
Route Breakdown (81 zones)
Moderate
3 zones (4%)
Light
21 zones (26%)
Smooth
57 zones (70%)
Forecast Valid: Jul 18, 06:00 UTC (Generated: Jul 18, 06:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 6h 02min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Moderate
0:30-0:58
Moderate
0:58-1:26
Light
1:26-1:54
Light
1:54-2:22
Smooth
2:22-2:50
Smooth
2:50-3:17
Smooth
3:17-3:44
Light
3:44-4:11
Smooth
4:11-4:38
Smooth
4:38-5:05
Smooth
5:05-5:32
Smooth
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 advanced turbulence prediction system analyzes real-time weather data, atmospheric conditions, and pilot reports to provide you with precise, route-specific forecasts. 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
3 kt
3 mph
Average Winds
24 kt
28 mph
Maximum Winds
63 kt
72 mph
Valid: Jul 18, 09:00 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 GOOD
Wind Assessment: Light headwinds (11 kt avg) will have minimal impact on flight time. Light crosswinds averaging 11 kt - minimal impact
Route Wind Breakdown
Tailwinds
15 zones (19%)
Headwinds
36 zones (44%)
Crosswinds
29 zones (36%)
Minimal headwinds/tailwinds - typical flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
11 kt
Avg Headwind
+7 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 22 kt
• Max Headwind: 58 kt
• Max Crosswind: 25 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)
37%
Smooth (<15%)
30 zones
31%
Light (15-30%)
25 zones
30%
Moderate (30-50%)
24 zones
2%
Severe (≥50% prob)
2 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) 1 Warning
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 - 45,000 ft (FL000 - FL450)
Valid: Jul 18, 07:55 UTC - 09:55 UTC
Movement: W (260°) at 20 kt (~23 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS31 KKCI 180755 SIGE CONVECTIVE SIGMET 45E VALID UNTIL 0955Z PA DE MD VA DC WV FROM 30WSW JST-40WNW SIE-30W SBY-20WNW EKN-30WSW JST AREA TS MOV FROM 26020KT. TOPS ABV FL450. OUTLOOK VALID 180955-181355 AREA 1...FROM 100N SAW-50WNW YVV-ECK-DXO-30WNW CLE-BUF-30NW SYR-30NW SAX-DCA-30NE ODF-40WSW BNA-40S TTH-100N SAW WST ISSUANCES EXPD. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS. AREA 2...FROM 40NNW CEW-210E OMN-210ENE PBI-160E PBI-60ENE PBI-80ESE MIA-160SE MIA-180W EYW-160WSW SRQ-160SE LEV-40NNW CEW WST ISSUANCES EXPD. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) Severe Activity

205

Total Strikes

3 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) - 2 Reports
What are PIREPs? Pilot Reports (PIREPs) are real-time observations from pilots flying the route. They provide the most accurate turbulence information available.
Time (UTC) Intensity Altitude Aircraft Report
Airport Forecasts (TAF) - Next 24-30 Hours
Departure: KJFK
Valid: Jul 18 06:00 - Jul 19 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 13:00 UTC
Wind: 170° at 4 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: BKN 25000 ft
06:00 - 13:00 UTC
Wind: 170° at 4 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: BKN 25000 ft
FM 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: OVC 15000 ft
FM 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: FU
Clouds: OVC 15000 ft
FM 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 190° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: FU VCSH
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, OVC 7000 ft
TEMPO 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Visibility: 3 SM
Weather: SHRA
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 7000 ft
FM 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 190° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: FU VCSH
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, OVC 7000 ft
TEMPO 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Visibility: 3 SM
Weather: SHRA
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 7000 ft
FM 18:00 - 23:00 UTC
Wind: 190° at 14 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCSH
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, OVC 7000 ft
FM 18:00 - 23:00 UTC
Wind: 190° at 14 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCSH
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, OVC 7000 ft
TEMPO 19:00 - 23:00 UTC
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 5000 ft (CB)
TEMPO 19:00 - 23:00 UTC
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 5000 ft (CB)
FM 23:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 14 kt gusting to 22 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -SHRA
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 5000 ft
TEMPO 23:00 - 03:00 UTC
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 900 ft, OVC 5000 ft (CB)
FM 23:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 14 kt gusting to 22 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -SHRA
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 5000 ft
TEMPO 23:00 - 03:00 UTC
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: TSRA BR
Clouds: BKN 900 ft, OVC 5000 ft (CB)
FM 03:00 - 07:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 12 kt
Visibility: 4 SM
Weather: SHRA
Clouds: BKN 2500 ft, OVC 5000 ft
FM 03:00 - 07:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 12 kt
Visibility: 4 SM
Weather: SHRA
Clouds: BKN 2500 ft, OVC 5000 ft
FM 07:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 4000 ft, BKN 10000 ft
FM 07:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 4000 ft, BKN 10000 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KJFK 180530Z 1806/1912 17004KT 6SM FU BKN250 FM181300 20010KT 6SM FU OVC150 FM181500 19012KT 6SM FU VCSH SCT015 OVC070 TEMPO 1815/1818 3SM SHRA BKN015 OVC070 FM181800 19014KT P6SM VCSH SCT015 OVC070 TEMPO 1819/1823 2SM TSRA BR BKN015 OVC050CB FM182300 20014G22KT 5SM -SHRA BKN015 OVC050 TEMPO 1823/1903 2SM TSRA BR BKN009 OVC050CB FM190300 24012KT 4SM SHRA BKN025 OVC050 FM190700 28012KT P6SM SCT040 BKN100
Arrival: KLAX
Forecast Valid: Jul 18 06:00 - Jul 19 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 08:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1200 ft
06:00 - 08:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1200 ft
FM 08:00 - 16:00 UTC
Wind: 110° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: OVC at 1200 ft
FM 08:00 - 16:00 UTC
Wind: 110° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: OVC at 1200 ft
FM 16:00 - 19:00 UTC
Wind: 160° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1500 ft
FM 16:00 - 19:00 UTC
Wind: 160° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1500 ft
FM 19:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 2500 ft
FM 19:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 2500 ft
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1500 ft SCT at 15000 ft
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1500 ft SCT at 15000 ft
FM 06:00 - 09:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1500 ft SCT at 15000 ft
FM 06:00 - 09:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: FEW at 1500 ft SCT at 15000 ft
FM 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1500 ft
FM 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1500 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KLAX 180520Z 1806/1912 VRB03KT P6SM FEW012 FM180800 11007KT P6SM OVC012 FM181600 16005KT P6SM SCT015 FM181900 26012KT P6SM FEW025 FM190300 24006KT P6SM FEW015 SCT150 FM190600 VRB03KT P6SM FEW015 SCT150 FM190900 VRB03KT P6SM BKN015
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: 22°C (71°F) | Dewpoint: 20°C
Wind: 190° at 7 kt
Visibility: 4 SM
Sky: BKN25000 OVC30000 (Base: 25000 ft)
Flight Category: MVFR
Altimeter: 1016.00 inHg (1016 mb)
Observed: Jul 18 07:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KJFK 180751Z 19007KT 4SM FU BKN250 OVC300 22/20 A3000 RMK AO2 SLP159 FU OVC300 T02170200 $
Arrival: KLAX
Temperature: 22°C (71°F) | Dewpoint: 18°C
Wind: 0° at 0 kt
Sky: FEW1600 SCT11000 BKN15000 (Base: 1600 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1015.30 inHg (1015 mb)
Observed: Jul 18 07:53 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KLAX 180753Z 00000KT 10SM FEW016 SCT110 BKN150 22/18 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP149 T02170183 403000206 $
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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