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AKL to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Is the Auckland to San Francisco flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
AKL
→
SFO
Auckland · San Francisco · 11h 45m
48
Turb Score
11h 45m
Duration
5,620 nm
Distance
39,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for AKL–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h11h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the AKL–SFO route

The Auckland to San Francisco route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,466 miles. The Pacific jet stream creates moderate turbulence, typically around 3–7 hours into the flight. The sheer length of the route means passengers experience varying conditions: calm stretches punctuated by bumpy patches.

The route is served by Air New Zealand, United Airlines on Boeing 787 · Boeing 777 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 39,000 feet over a distance of 6,466 miles (5,620 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion.

Turbulence levels on AKL–SFO

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm
LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady
ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause
HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

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Best time to fly AKL–SFO

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on AKL–SFO

Boeing 787

Front
Rows 1–19
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 20–36
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 37+
Rougher
Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

AKL to SFO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

AKL → LAX
Auckland → Los Angeles
Light
SFO → SYD
San Francisco → Sydney
Light
SFO → NRT
San Francisco → Tokyo
Moderate
SFO → HNL
San Francisco → Honolulu
Light
LAX → SYD
Los Angeles → Sydney
Light
SFO → MEL
San Francisco → Melbourne
Light
See all transpacific flights →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Auckland to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The AKL–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 48/100.
When is turbulence worst on AKL to SFO?
Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on AKL to SFO?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 787 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–36. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from AKL to SFO?
The AKL to SFO flight takes approximately 11h 45m, covering 6,466 miles (5,620 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly AKL to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are Air New Zealand, United Airlines, flying Boeing 787 · Boeing 777 aircraft.