When is the Edinburgh to New York route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the EDI to JFK route?

The EDI–JFK route is typically operated by Airbus A321XLR · Boeing 787. Airlines include American Airlines, Delta, United, Norse Atlantic.

Is turbulence on EDI to JFK dangerous?

No — turbulence on the EDI–JFK route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my EDI to JFK flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the EDI–JFK route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

EDI to JFK Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Edinburgh to New York flight turbulent?

The EDI–JFK route typically experiences heavy turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on EDI to JFK?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A321XLR · Boeing 787, that's rows 21-32. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from EDI to JFK?

The EDI to JFK flight takes approximately 7h 50m, covering 3,914 miles (3,400 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet.

Is the Edinburgh to New York flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

EDI

→

JFK

Edinburgh · New York · 7h 50m

Turb Score

7h 50m

Duration

3,400 nm

Distance

39,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Heavy

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for EDI–JFK

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h7h 50m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the EDI–JFK route

The Edinburgh to New York route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 39,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by American Airlines, Delta, United, Norse Atlantic on Airbus A321XLR · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 39,000 feet over a distance of 3,914 miles (3,400 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Edinburgh to New York Flight Time

How long is the flight from EDI to JFK?

7h 50m

Flight Time

3,914 mi

Distance

39,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A321XLR

Aircraft

The Edinburgh (EDI) to New York (JFK) flight takes approximately 7h 50m, covering 3,914 miles (3,400 nautical miles) at 39,000 feet. The route is operated by American Airlines, Delta, United, Norse Atlantic. Return flights (JFK to EDI) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on EDI–JFK

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 EDI–JFK

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on EDI–JFK

Boeing 787-9

Front

Rows 1–20

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 21-32

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 33+

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

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Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

Worst turbulence I've seen on this route and I've done it probably 20 times. In January crossing the jet stream it was extreme — crew stayed seated, service canceled entirely. Still faster than the connection.

Regular traveler · January

Fly Edinburgh–New York a few times a year. November is the worst month for this route — mid-Atlantic it was severe turbulence, no question. Seatbelt sign on from about an hour in until descent. Experienced crews handle it well.

Frequent flyer · November

I was not prepared for how rough this was. crossing the jet stream the plane was lurching around pretty badly. A flight attendant told us it was 'expected for this route' which honestly made it worse. We landed fine but I needed a minute.

Nervous flyer · April

All EDI routes→ All JFK routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Edinburgh to New York flight turbulent?

The EDI–JFK route typically experiences heavy turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 17/100.

When is turbulence worst on EDI to JFK?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on EDI to JFK?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 787-9 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 21-32. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from EDI to JFK?

The EDI to JFK flight takes approximately 7h 50m, covering 3,914 miles (3,400 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly EDI to JFK?

The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, Delta, United, Norse Atlantic, flying Airbus A321XLR · Boeing 787 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data