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

388 minutes (6h 28m)

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
9.0 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
60%
Smooth
40%
Light
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

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

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 80 knots. These winds may delay arrival by up to 58 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
60% of your flight
Peak Intensity
LIGHT
Normal flight conditions
Route Breakdown (81 zones)
Light
32 zones (40%)
Smooth
49 zones (60%)
Forecast Valid: Mar 03, 06:00 UTC (Generated: Mar 03, 06:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 6h 28min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Light
0:30-1:00
Light
1:00-1:30
Smooth
1:30-2:00
Smooth
2:00-2:30
Light
2:30-3:00
Light
3:00-3:30
Light
3:30-4:00
Light
4:00-4:30
Light
4:30-5:00
Light
5:00-5:29
Light
5:29-5:58
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.

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

Prefer a simpler overview?

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
58 kt
67 mph
Average Winds
80 kt
92 mph
Maximum Winds
95 kt
109 mph
Valid: Mar 03, 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 FAIR
Wind Assessment: Moderate headwinds (76 kt avg) will moderately increase flight time. This is typical for this route.
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
80 zones (99%)
Strong headwinds averaging 76 kt - longer flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
76 kt
Avg Headwind
+58 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 0 kt
• Max Headwind: 93 kt
• Max Crosswind: 42 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)
5%
Smooth (<15%)
4 zones
5%
Light (15-30%)
4 zones
90%
Moderate (30-50%)
73 zones
0%
Severe (≥50% prob)
0 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...
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) Moderate Activity

46

Total Strikes

4 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) - 1 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: Mar 03 06:00 - Mar 04 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 08:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 7000 ft
06:00 - 08:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 7000 ft
FM 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 90° at 4 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: OVC 5000 ft
FM 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 90° at 4 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: OVC 5000 ft
TEMPO 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Clouds: OVC 3000 ft
TEMPO 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Clouds: OVC 3000 ft
FM 12:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 100° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCSH
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, OVC 2500 ft
FM 12:00 - 15:00 UTC
Wind: 100° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCSH
Clouds: OVC 2500 ft, SCT 1500 ft
PROB PROB 30% 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -SN -RA
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
PROB PROB 30% 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -SN -RA
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
FM 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 90° at 6 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -RA -SN
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
FM 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 90° at 6 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -RA -SN
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
FM 18:00 - 21:00 UTC
Wind: 80° at 6 kt
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: -RA BR
Clouds: OVC 600 ft
FM 18:00 - 21:00 UTC
Wind: 80° at 6 kt
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: -RA BR
Clouds: OVC 600 ft
FM 21:00 - 01:00 UTC
Wind: 130° at 7 kt
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: -RA BR
Clouds: OVC 600 ft
FM 21:00 - 01:00 UTC
Wind: 130° at 7 kt
Visibility: 1 SM
Weather: -RA BR
Clouds: OVC 600 ft
FM 01:00 - 05:00 UTC
Wind: 190° at 5 kt
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: -RA BR
Clouds: OVC 700 ft
FM 01:00 - 05:00 UTC
Wind: 190° at 5 kt
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: -RA BR
Clouds: OVC 700 ft
FM 05:00 - 08:00 UTC
Wind: 250° at 5 kt
Visibility: 4 SM
Weather: BR
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
FM 05:00 - 08:00 UTC
Wind: 250° at 5 kt
Visibility: 4 SM
Weather: BR
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
FM 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: BR
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
FM 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: BR
Clouds: OVC 1500 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KJFK 030534Z 0306/0412 VRB03KT P6SM BKN070 FM030800 09004KT P6SM OVC050 TEMPO 0310/0312 OVC030 FM031200 10006KT P6SM VCSH SCT015 OVC025 PROB30 0313/0315 5SM -SNRA OVC015 FM031500 09006KT 5SM -RASN OVC015 FM031800 08006KT 1SM -RA BR OVC006 FM032100 13007KT 1SM -RA BR OVC006 FM040100 19005KT 2SM -RA BR OVC007 FM040500 25005KT 4SM BR OVC015 FM040800 30005KT 6SM BR OVC015
Arrival: KLAX
Forecast Valid: Mar 03 06:00 - Mar 04 12:00 UTC
06:00 - 10:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
06:00 - 10:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
Wind: 100° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 800 ft
FM 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
Wind: 100° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 800 ft
FM 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
Wind: 100° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1200 ft
FM 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
Wind: 100° at 6 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1200 ft
FM 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1200 ft
FM 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1200 ft
FM 19:00 - 04:00 UTC
Wind: 250° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 19:00 - 04:00 UTC
Wind: 250° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 04:00 - 10:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 25000 ft
FM 04:00 - 10:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 25000 ft
FM 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1200 ft
FM 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1200 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KLAX 030528Z 0306/0412 VRB03KT P6SM SKC FM031000 10006KT P6SM BKN008 FM031400 10006KT P6SM BKN012 FM031700 VRB03KT P6SM SCT012 FM031900 25008KT P6SM SKC FM040400 VRB03KT P6SM SCT250 FM041000 VRB03KT P6SM BKN012
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: -1°C (31°F) | Dewpoint: -5°C
Wind: 80° at 3 kt
Sky: OVC5500 (Base: 5500 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1037.30 inHg (1037 mb)
Observed: Mar 03 06:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KJFK 030651Z 08003KT 10SM OVC055 M01/M05 A3063 RMK AO2 SLP373 T10111050
Arrival: KLAX
Temperature: 14°C (57°F) | Dewpoint: 13°C
Wind: 110° at 5 kt
Sky: FEW800 (Base: 800 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1015.70 inHg
Observed: Mar 03 07:34 UTC
Raw METAR: 
SPECI KLAX 030734Z 11005KT 10SM FEW008 14/13 A2999 RMK AO2 T01390128
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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