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
7.7 /10
Smoothness
Mostly Smooth
16%
Smooth
78%
Light
6%
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, 3 hours 30 minutes, and 4 hours 20 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 78 knots. These winds may delay arrival by up to 51 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
78% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Comfortable flight expected
Route Breakdown (81 zones)
Moderate
5 zones (6%)
Light
63 zones (78%)
Smooth
13 zones (16%)
Forecast Valid: Oct 13, 18:00 UTC (Generated: Oct 13, 18:00 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
Moderate
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
Light
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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Return to Simplified View
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
35 kt
40 mph
Average Winds
78 kt
90 mph
Maximum Winds
131 kt
151 mph
Valid: Oct 13, 21:00 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 (69 kt avg) will moderately increase flight time. This is typical for this route.
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
80 zones (99%)
Strong headwinds averaging 69 kt - longer flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
69 kt
Avg Headwind
+51 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 0 kt
• Max Headwind: 107 kt
• Max Crosswind: 77 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)
0%
Smooth (<15%)
0 zones
6%
Light (15-30%)
5 zones
93%
Moderate (30-50%)
75 zones
1%
Severe (≥50% prob)
1 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 - 45,000 ft (FL000 - FL450)
Valid: Oct 13, 20:55 UTC - 22:55 UTC
Movement: W (250°) at 35 kt (~40 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 132055 MKCC WST 132055 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 50C VALID UNTIL 2255Z KS NE FROM 50W PWE-50E SLN-40WSW ICT-50SE GCK-50W PWE AREA TS MOV FROM 25035KT. TOPS TO FL450.
SIGMET KKCI Severe Convective
Altitude Range: 0 - 45,000 ft (FL000 - FL450)
Valid: Oct 13, 21:55 UTC - 23:55 UTC
Movement: SW (240°) at 35 kt (~40 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 132155 MKCC WST 132155 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 56C VALID UNTIL 2355Z MO IA TX OK KS NE FROM 20SSE OVR-60W BUM-60NNE CDS-30NE AMA-70W PWE-20SSE OVR AREA SEV TS MOV FROM 24035KT. TOPS ABV FL450. HAIL TO 2.5 IN...WIND GUSTS TO 70KT POSS.
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Winds Forecast FL390
Departure (KJFK)
320°
NW
77 kt
89 mph
-47°C / -52°F
En Route Average
320°
NW
77 kt
89 mph
-47°C / -52°F
Arrival (KLAX)
320°
NW
77 kt
89 mph
-47°C / -52°F
Forecast Valid: Oct 14, 00:00 UTC (Issued: Oct 13, 18:00 UTC)
Flight Level 390 (39,000 ft)
Reading Wind Arrows: Arrow points in the direction the wind is blowing FROM. Example: Arrow pointing up (0°) = North wind blowing from North to South.
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) Severe Activity

520

Total Strikes

5 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) - 23 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 13 20:00 - Oct 15 00:00 UTC
20:00 - 23:00 UTC
Wind: 170° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 3000 ft, BKN 20000 ft
FM 23:00 - 10:00 UTC
Wind: 200° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 25000 ft
FM 10:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 240° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: FEW 25000 ft
FM 15:00 - 22:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 13 kt gusting to 19 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 3500 ft, SCT 12000 ft
FM 22:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 310° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 3500 ft, BKN 12000 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KJFK 131959Z 1320/1424 17012KT P6SM FEW030 BKN200 FM132300 20010KT P6SM SCT250 FM141000 24008KT P6SM FEW250 FM141500 27013G19KT P6SM SCT035 SCT120 FM142200 31012KT P6SM SCT035 BKN120
Arrival: KLAX
Forecast Valid: Oct 13 22:00 - Oct 15 00:00 UTC
22:00 - 04:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 04:00 - 21:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 21:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 260° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
Raw TAF: 
TAF KLAX 132133Z 1322/1424 26012KT P6SM SKC FM140400 VRB03KT P6SM SKC FM142100 26008KT 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: 19°C (66°F) | Dewpoint: 17°C
Wind: 180° at 12 kt
Sky: FEW1700 SCT13000 SCT22000 (Base: 1700 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1012.60 inHg (1012 mb)
Observed: Oct 13 21:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KJFK 132151Z 18012KT 10SM FEW017 SCT130 SCT220 19/17 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP123 T01940167
Arrival: KLAX
Temperature: 22°C (71°F) | Dewpoint: 11°C
Wind: 250° at 9 kt
Sky: FEW3000 (Base: 3000 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1015.00 inHg (1015 mb)
Observed: Oct 13 21:53 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KLAX 132153Z 25009KT 10SM FEW030 22/11 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP149 T02170111 $
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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