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

378 minutes (6h 18m)

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
8.0 /10
Smoothness
Mostly Smooth
22%
Smooth
75%
Light
2%
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

2 hours and 4 hours 30 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 67 knots. These winds may delay arrival by up to 38 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
LIGHT
75% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Comfortable flight expected
Route Breakdown (81 zones)
Moderate
2 zones (2%)
Light
61 zones (75%)
Smooth
18 zones (22%)
Forecast Valid: Jan 17, 00:00 UTC (Generated: Jan 17, 00:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 6h 18min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Light
0:30-0:59
Light
0:59-1:28
Light
1:28-1:57
Light
1:57-2:26
Moderate
2:26-2:55
Light
2:55-3:24
Light
3:24-3:53
Light
3:53-4:22
Light
4:22-4:51
Moderate
4:51-5:20
Smooth
5:20-5:48
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 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.

Wide-Body Aircraft (Large)

Large, twin-aisle aircraft like this generally provide the smoothest ride through turbulence due to their size, weight, and advanced stabilization systems.

Safety First: All commercial aircraft, regardless of size, are engineered and certified to safely handle turbulence. The difference is primarily in passenger comfort - larger aircraft provide a smoother feeling ride, but all aircraft are equally safe.

Important: Aircraft information is based on historical flight data and may not reflect the current assignment. Airlines may change aircraft types based on operational needs. Always verify with your airline for the most current aircraft information.
Learn more about aircraft size and comfort
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
39 kt
45 mph
Average Winds
67 kt
77 mph
Maximum Winds
115 kt
133 mph
Valid: Jan 17, 06:00 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 (53 kt avg) will moderately increase flight time. This is typical for this route.
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
46 zones (57%)
Crosswinds
34 zones (42%)
Strong headwinds averaging 53 kt - longer flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
53 kt
Avg Headwind
+38 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 0 kt
• Max Headwind: 109 kt
• Max Crosswind: 62 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)
1%
Smooth (<15%)
1 zones
1%
Light (15-30%)
1 zones
85%
Moderate (30-50%)
69 zones
12%
Severe (≥50% prob)
10 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 Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) - 72 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: Jan 17 03:00 - Jan 18 06:00 UTC
03:00 - 07:00 UTC
Wind: 230° at 14 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 7000 ft, BKN 10000 ft
03:00 - 07:00 UTC
Wind: 230° at 14 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 7000 ft, BKN 10000 ft
FM 07:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 210° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 4000 ft, BKN 8000 ft
FM 07:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 210° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 4000 ft, BKN 8000 ft
PROB PROB 30% 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: -SN BR
Clouds: SCT 2500 ft, BKN 3500 ft
PROB PROB 30% 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: -SN BR
Clouds: SCT 2500 ft, BKN 3500 ft
FM 12:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 2500 ft, BKN 5000 ft
FM 12:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 2500 ft, BKN 5000 ft
FM 15:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 220° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 2500 ft
FM 15:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 220° at 11 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 2500 ft
TEMPO 16:00 - 20:00 UTC
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: -RA -SN BR
Clouds: BKN 2000 ft
TEMPO 16:00 - 20:00 UTC
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: -RA -SN BR
Clouds: BKN 2000 ft
FM 20:00 - 02:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 2500 ft, BKN 3500 ft
FM 20:00 - 02:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 2500 ft, BKN 3500 ft
FM 02:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 15000 ft, BKN 25000 ft
FM 02:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 15000 ft, BKN 25000 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KJFK 170234Z 1703/1806 23014KT P6SM FEW070 BKN100 FM170700 21011KT P6SM SCT040 BKN080 PROB30 1710/1712 6SM -SN BR SCT025 BKN035 FM171200 20010KT P6SM SCT025 BKN050 FM171500 22011KT P6SM BKN025 TEMPO 1716/1720 6SM -RASN BR BKN020 FM172000 24012KT P6SM SCT025 BKN035 FM180200 26008KT P6SM SCT150 BKN250
Arrival: KLAX
Forecast Valid: Jan 17 03:00 - Jan 18 06:00 UTC
03:00 - 08:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 28000 ft
03:00 - 08:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 28000 ft
FM 08:00 - 21:00 UTC
Wind: 50° at 3 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 25000 ft
FM 08:00 - 21:00 UTC
Wind: 50° at 3 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 25000 ft
FM 21:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 21:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
Raw TAF: 
TAF KLAX 170306Z 1703/1806 VRB03KT P6SM BKN280 FM170800 05003KT P6SM SCT250 FM172100 26008KT P6SM SKC FM180300 27006KT 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: 2°C (35°F) | Dewpoint: -7°C
Wind: 210° at 10 kt
Sky: BKN8000 BKN25000 (Base: 8000 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1018.70 inHg (1018 mb)
Observed: Jan 17 05:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KJFK 170551Z 21010KT 10SM BKN080 BKN250 02/M07 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP185 T00171072 10017 21006 58008 $
Arrival: KLAX
Temperature: 16°C (60°F) | Dewpoint: 8°C
Wind: 0° at 0 kt
Sky: BKN28000 (Base: 28000 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1016.30 inHg (1016 mb)
Observed: Jan 17 05:53 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KLAX 170553Z 00000KT 10SM BKN280 16/08 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP159 T01610083 10211 20161 53012
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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