KORD KSFO

Chicago O'Hare International Airport San Francisco International Airport
Route Information
Departure

KORD (ORD)

Distance

2,963.9 km (1,600.4 nautical miles)

Arrival

KSFO (SFO)

Flight Time

292 minutes (4h 52m)

Flight Profile

Cruise Altitude: 36,000 ft (Flight Level 360)

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
8.3 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
36%
Smooth
61%
Light
3%
Moderate
AI-Powered Flight Briefing
📊 6,000 data points analyzed
Advanced AI-Powered Flight Briefing
Your Flight

We analysed more than 6,000 data points along your route from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago to San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco.

Your Journey Beta

1 hour 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 Rocky Mountains and over the Sierra Nevada – these areas can sometimes cause light 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 73 knots. These winds may delay arrival by a few 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
61% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Brief sections only
Route Breakdown (61 zones)
Moderate
2 zones (3%)
Light
37 zones (61%)
Smooth
22 zones (36%)
Forecast Valid: Oct 15, 18:00 UTC (Generated: Oct 15, 18:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 4h 52min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Light
0:30-0:59
Light
0:59-1:28
Light
1:28-1:57
Moderate
1:57-2:26
Light
2:26-2:55
Smooth
2:55-3:24
Light
3:24-3:53
Smooth
3:53-4:22
Light
Landing
Moderate
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

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 61 waypoints along your flight path using high-resolution ECMWF global weather model (0.25° grid, ~25km resolution).
Minimum Winds
21 kt
25 mph
Average Winds
73 kt
84 mph
Maximum Winds
129 kt
148 mph
Valid: Oct 16, 00:00 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 crosswinds (44 kt avg) may contribute to some turbulence. Headwinds: 19 kt avg.
Route Wind Breakdown
Tailwinds
16 zones (26%)
Headwinds
31 zones (51%)
Crosswinds
13 zones (21%)
Minimal headwinds/tailwinds - typical flight time expected
Flight Time Impact
19 kt
Avg Headwind
+9 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 62 kt
• Max Headwind: 99 kt
• Max Crosswind: 82 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)
21%
Smooth (<15%)
13 zones
13%
Light (15-30%)
8 zones
49%
Moderate (30-50%)
30 zones
16%
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 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 OCCASIONAL SEVERE TURB
Altitude Range: 18,000 - 45,000 ft (FL180 - FL450)
⚠️ Occasional severe turbulence - intermittent severe conditions
Valid: Oct 15, 21:17 UTC - 01:12 UTC
Movement: S (180°) at 0 kt (~0 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS03 KKCI 152117 CHIY WS 152117 SIGMET YANKEE 1 VALID UNTIL 160112 SD NE IA FROM 40NE ONL TO 50SSE FSD TO 60SSE OBH TO 40ENE MCK TO 40NE ONL OCNL SEV TURB BTN FL180 AND FL240. DUE TO WNDSHR ASSOCD WITH JTST. RPTD BY B739. CONDS CONTG BYD 0112Z. ....
SIGMET KKCI Severe OCCASIONAL SEVERE TURB
Altitude Range: 25,000 - 45,000 ft (FL250 - FL450)
⚠️ Occasional severe turbulence - intermittent severe conditions
Valid: Oct 15, 23:03 UTC - 02:56 UTC
Movement: S (180°) at 0 kt (~0 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS05 KKCI 152303 SLCX WS 152303 SIGMET XRAY 2 VALID UNTIL 160256 WY UT CO ND SD NE KS FROM 20NNE DIK TO 40ENE MCK TO 40WNW TBE TO 40WSW BCE TO 30WSW LAR TO 20NNE DIK OCNL SEV TURB BTN FL250 AND FL410. DUE TO WNDSHR ASSOCD WITH JTST. CONDS CONTG BYD 0256Z. ....
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Winds Forecast FL340
Departure (KORD)
20°
N
41 kt
47 mph
-46°C / -50°F
En Route Average
20°
N
41 kt
47 mph
-46°C / -50°F
Arrival (KSFO)
20°
N
41 kt
47 mph
-46°C / -50°F
Forecast Valid: Oct 16, 00:00 UTC (Issued: Oct 15, 18:00 UTC)
Flight Level 340 (34,000 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.
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) - 32 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: KORD
Valid: Oct 15 21:00 - Oct 17 00:00 UTC
21:00 - 23:00 UTC
Wind: 160° at 8 kt
Visibility: 5 SM
Weather: -SHRA -SHDZ BR
Clouds: SCT 700 ft, OVC 1500 ft
TEMPO 21:00 - 23:00 UTC
Visibility: 2 SM
Weather: SHRA BR
Clouds: BKN 700 ft
FM 23:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 180° at 7 kt
Visibility: 3 SM
Weather: -SHRA -SHDZ BR
Clouds: SCT 400 ft, OVC 700 ft
TEMPO 01:00 - 03:00 UTC
Wind: 230° at 8 kt
Visibility: 1.5 SM
Weather: -RA -DZ BR
Clouds: BKN 400 ft
FM 03:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 270° at 13 kt gusting to 22 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 700 ft, OVC 1500 ft
FM 06:00 - 17:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 16 kt gusting to 26 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: BKN 1500 ft, OVC 2500 ft
FM 17:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 330° at 18 kt gusting to 30 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Weather: VCSH
Clouds: BKN 2500 ft, OVC 3500 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KORD 152113Z 1521/1624 16008KT 5SM -SHRADZ BR SCT007 OVC015 TEMPO 1521/1523 2SM SHRA BR BKN007 FM152300 18007KT 3SM -SHRADZ BR SCT004 OVC007 TEMPO 1601/1603 23008KT 1 1/2SM -RADZ BR BKN004 FM160300 27013G22KT P6SM BKN007 OVC015 FM160600 29016G26KT P6SM BKN015 OVC025 FM161700 33018G30KT P6SM VCSH BKN025 OVC035
Arrival: KSFO
Forecast Valid: Oct 15 21:00 - Oct 17 00:00 UTC
21:00 - 23:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 23:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 310° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 06:00 - 15:00 UTC
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 15:00 - 22:30 UTC
Wind: 60° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 22:30 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
Raw TAF: 
TAF KSFO 152053Z 1521/1624 VRB04KT P6SM SKC FM152300 31010KT P6SM SKC FM160600 VRB04KT P6SM SKC FM161500 06005KT P6SM SKC FM162230 30007KT 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: KORD
Temperature: 17°C (62°F) | Dewpoint: 16°C
Wind: 0° at 0 kt
Visibility: 3 SM
Sky: BKN2000 BKN4300 OVC5500 (Base: 2000 ft)
Flight Category: MVFR
Altimeter: 1009.60 inHg
Observed: Oct 15 22:23 UTC
Raw METAR: 
SPECI KORD 152223Z 00000KT 3SM -RA BR BKN020 BKN043 OVC055 17/16 A2981 RMK AO2 P0007 T01720161
Arrival: KSFO
Temperature: 27°C (80°F) | Dewpoint: 5°C
Wind: 0° at 0 kt
Sky: CLR
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1018.00 inHg (1018 mb)
Observed: Oct 15 21:56 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KSFO 152156Z 00000KT 10SM CLR 27/05 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP179 T02720050 $
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

Looking for a simpler overview?

Return to Simplified View