When is the Honolulu to Seattle 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 HNL to SEA route?

The HNL–SEA route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Boeing 767. Airlines include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines.

Is turbulence on HNL to SEA dangerous?

No — turbulence on the HNL–SEA 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 HNL to SEA flight?

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

HNL to SEA Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Honolulu to Seattle flight turbulent?

The HNL–SEA route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on HNL to SEA?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Boeing 767, that's rows 12–22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from HNL to SEA?

The HNL to SEA flight takes approximately 6h 45m, covering 3,082 miles (2,677 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Honolulu to Seattle flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

HNL

→

SEA

Honolulu · Seattle · 6h 45m

Turb Score

6h 45m

Duration

2,677 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for HNL–SEA

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h6h 45m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the HNL–SEA route

The Honolulu to Seattle route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 3,082 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 Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines on Boeing 737 · Boeing 767 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 3,082 miles (2,677 nautical miles).

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

Honolulu to Seattle Flight Time

How long is the flight from HNL to SEA?

6h 45m

Flight Time

3,082 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Honolulu (HNL) to Seattle (SEA) flight takes approximately 6h 45m, covering 3,082 miles (2,677 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines. Return flights (SEA to HNL) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on HNL–SEA

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

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Best time to fly HNL–SEA

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on HNL–SEA

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–11

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 12–22

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 23+

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

Los Angeles → Honolulu

Light

SFO → HNL

San Francisco → Honolulu

Light

SEA → LAX

Seattle → Los Angeles

See all transpacific flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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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

→

Passenger Reports

The 6h 45m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · April

Some light chop over the North Pacific — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in February.

Regular traveler · February

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps mid-Pacific. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · January

All HNL routes→ All SEA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Honolulu to Seattle flight turbulent?

The HNL–SEA route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 40/100.

When is turbulence worst on HNL to SEA?

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 HNL to SEA?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from HNL to SEA?

The HNL to SEA flight takes approximately 6h 45m, covering 3,082 miles (2,677 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly HNL to SEA?

The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Boeing 767 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