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

305 minutes (5h 5m)

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
8.2 /10
Smoothness
Smooth Flight
30%
Smooth
67%
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

3 hours 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 calm conditions around the airport.

Winds Aloft

Winds at cruising altitude are about 56 knots. These winds may delay arrival by up to 25 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
67% of your flight
Peak Intensity
MODERATE
Brief sections only
Route Breakdown (61 zones)
Moderate
2 zones (3%)
Light
41 zones (67%)
Smooth
18 zones (30%)
Forecast Valid: Mar 03, 18:00 UTC (Generated: Mar 03, 18:00 UTC)
Flight Timeline 5h 05min
Maximum turbulence expected per segment
Takeoff
Smooth
0:30-0:58
Light
0:58-1:26
Light
1:26-1:53
Light
1:53-2:20
Light
2:20-2:47
Light
2:47-3:14
Moderate
3:14-3:41
Smooth
3:41-4:08
Light
4:08-4:35
Moderate
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 61 waypoints along your flight path using high-resolution ECMWF global weather model (0.25° grid, ~25km resolution).
Minimum Winds
27 kt
31 mph
Average Winds
56 kt
64 mph
Maximum Winds
95 kt
110 mph
Valid: Mar 03, 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 (48 kt avg) will moderately increase flight time. This is typical for this route.
Route Wind Breakdown
Headwinds
40 zones (66%)
Crosswinds
20 zones (33%)
Moderate headwinds averaging 48 kt - slightly longer than normal
Flight Time Impact
48 kt
Avg Headwind
+25 min
Time Impact
Slower than normal
Wind Range:
• Max Tailwind: 0 kt
• Max Headwind: 95 kt
• Max Crosswind: 48 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)
10%
Smooth (<15%)
6 zones
5%
Light (15-30%)
3 zones
82%
Moderate (30-50%)
50 zones
3%
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 - 44,000 ft (FL000 - FL440)
Valid: Mar 03, 20:55 UTC - 22:55 UTC
Movement: W (260°) at 50 kt (~57 mph)
Raw SIGMET: WSUS32 KKCI 032055 SIGC CONVECTIVE SIGMET 22C VALID UNTIL 2255Z IL IA FROM 30SW IOW-30SSE BDF-10E AXC-30ESE UIN-30SW IOW AREA SEV EMBD TS MOV FROM 26050KT. TOPS TO FL440. HAIL TO 1 IN...WIND GUSTS TO 50KT POSS. OUTLOOK VALID 032255-040255 AREA 1...FROM BVT-40NW IIU-SGF-40WNW IRK-BVT WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS. AREA 2...FROM ICT-TUL-SPS-ABI-60NE MAF-MMB-ICT WST ISSUANCES POSS. REFER TO MOST RECENT ACUS01 KWNS FROM STORM PREDICTION CENTER FOR SYNOPSIS AND METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS.
Active Turbulence Warnings (AIRSIGMETs) Loading...
Lightning Activity (Last Hour) High Activity

99

Total Strikes

1 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) - 28 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: KORD
Valid: Mar 03 18:00 - Mar 05 00:00 UTC
18:00 - 02:00 UTC
Wind: 70° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: HZ
Clouds: OVC 1800 ft
18:00 - 02:00 UTC
Wind: 70° at 7 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: HZ
Clouds: OVC 1800 ft
FM 02:00 - 14:00 UTC
Wind: 40° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: BR
Clouds: FEW 1000 ft, SCT 25000 ft
FM 02:00 - 14:00 UTC
Wind: 40° at 5 kt
Visibility: 6 SM
Weather: BR
Clouds: FEW 1000 ft, SCT 25000 ft
FM 14:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 80° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, BKN 7000 ft
FM 14:00 - 18:00 UTC
Wind: 80° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 1500 ft, BKN 7000 ft
FM 18:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 90° at 9 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 1000 ft, OVC 1800 ft
FM 18:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 90° at 9 kt
Visibility: 6+ SM
Clouds: SCT 1000 ft, OVC 1800 ft
Raw TAF: 
TAF KORD 031720Z 0318/0424 07007KT 6SM HZ OVC018 FM040200 04005KT 6SM BR FEW010 SCT250 FM041400 08010KT P6SM SCT015 BKN070 FM041800 09009KT P6SM SCT010 OVC018
Arrival: KSFO
Forecast Valid: Mar 03 18:00 - Mar 05 00:00 UTC
18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1400 ft
18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 300° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1400 ft
FM 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 8 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 22:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 15 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 25000 ft
FM 22:00 - 06:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 15 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 25000 ft
FM 06:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1500 ft BKN at 25000 ft
FM 06:00 - 12:00 UTC
Wind: 280° at 10 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SCT at 1500 ft BKN at 25000 ft
FM 12:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1500 ft
FM 12:00 - 20:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 12 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: BKN at 1500 ft
FM 20:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 16 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
FM 20:00 - 00:00 UTC
Wind: 290° at 16 kt
Visibility: 6+
Clouds: SKC
Raw TAF: 
TAF KSFO 031734Z 0318/0424 30008KT P6SM BKN014 FM032000 29008KT P6SM SKC FM032200 28015KT P6SM SCT250 FM040600 28010KT P6SM SCT015 BKN250 FM041200 29012KT P6SM BKN015 FM042000 29016KT 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: 5°C (41°F) | Dewpoint: -1°C
Wind: 30° at 8 kt
Visibility: 9 SM
Sky: OVC1800 (Base: 1800 ft)
Flight Category: MVFR
Altimeter: 1019.40 inHg (1020 mb)
Observed: Mar 03 20:51 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KORD 032051Z 03008KT 9SM OVC018 05/M01 A3010 RMK AO2 SLP198 T00501006 55005
Arrival: KSFO
Temperature: 16°C (60°F) | Dewpoint: 11°C
Wind: 300° at 14 kt
Sky: FEW600 FEW4000 (Base: 600 ft)
Flight Category: VFR
Altimeter: 1019.70 inHg (1020 mb)
Observed: Mar 03 20:56 UTC
Raw METAR: 
METAR KSFO 032056Z 30014KT 10SM FEW006 FEW040 16/11 A3011 RMK AO2 SLP196 T01610111 58016
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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