When is the Tokyo to Los Angeles 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 HND to LAX route?

The HND–LAX route is typically operated by Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 · Airbus A350. Airlines include Japan Airlines, ANA, Delta.

Is turbulence on HND to LAX dangerous?

No — turbulence on the HND–LAX 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 HND to LAX flight?

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

HND to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Tokyo to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The HND–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on HND to LAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 · Airbus A350, that's rows 28-40. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from HND to LAX?

The HND to LAX flight takes approximately 9h 45m, covering 6,295 miles (5,470 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 40,000 feet.

Is the Tokyo to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

HND

→

LAX

Tokyo · Los Angeles · 9h 45m

Turb Score

9h 45m

Duration

5,470 nm

Distance

40,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android

Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android · Free

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for HND–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h9h 45m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the HND–LAX route

The Tokyo to Los Angeles route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,295 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 Japan Airlines, ANA, Delta on Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 40,000 feet over a distance of 6,295 miles (5,470 nautical miles).

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

Tokyo to Los Angeles Flight Time

How long is the flight from HND to LAX?

9h 45m

Flight Time

6,295 mi

Distance

40,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The Tokyo (HND) to Los Angeles (LAX) flight takes approximately 9h 45m, covering 6,295 miles (5,470 nautical miles) at 40,000 feet. The route is operated by Japan Airlines, ANA, Delta. Return flights (LAX to HND) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on HND–LAX

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

Best time to fly HND–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on HND–LAX

Boeing 777-300ER

Front

Rows 1–27

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 28-40

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 41+

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

HND → YVR

Tokyo Haneda → Vancouver

Jackson Hole → Los Angeles

Severe

FCA → LAX

Kalispell → Los Angeles

Severe

MTJ → LAX

Montrose → Los Angeles

Severe

See all transpacific flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

→

Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Flew this in January expecting smooth skies based on past experience, but it was noticeably bumpier than usual. About an hour of moderate chop. Seatbelt sign basically stayed on.

Regular traveler · January

Rough patch somewhere over the ocean in August — drinks went everywhere on the row behind me. Probably 45 minutes of actual turbulence. Nothing dangerous but definitely uncomfortable.

Business traveler · August

This was genuinely difficult for me. Real bumps for a long stretch somewhere over the ocean, seatbelt sign on for what felt like forever. The flight attendants were calm which helped. Got through it.

Nervous flyer · July

All HND routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tokyo to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The HND–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 11/100.

When is turbulence worst on HND to LAX?

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 HND to LAX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777-300ER (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 28-40. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from HND to LAX?

The HND to LAX flight takes approximately 9h 45m, covering 6,295 miles (5,470 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly HND to LAX?

The main airlines operating this route are Japan Airlines, ANA, Delta, flying Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 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