When is the New York to Tel Aviv 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 JFK to TLV route?

The JFK–TLV route is typically operated by Boeing 787 · Boeing 777. Airlines include El Al, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines.

Is turbulence on JFK to TLV dangerous?

No — turbulence on the JFK–TLV 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 JFK to TLV flight?

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

JFK to TLV Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the New York to Tel Aviv flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on JFK to TLV?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 787 · Boeing 777, that's rows 20–36. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The JFK to TLV flight takes approximately 10h 30m, covering 6,546 miles (5,688 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

JFK

→

TLV

New York · Tel Aviv · 10h 30m

Turb Score

10h 30m

Duration

5,688 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for JFK–TLV

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h10h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the JFK–TLV route

The New York to Tel Aviv route heads southeast over Europe and the Middle East, covering 6,546 miles at 38,000 feet. This corridor is generally smooth — turbulence is most common over the Alps and occasionally over the Zagros Mountains in Iran. The approach into Dubai crosses dry, stable desert air which is typically calm.

The route is served by El Al, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines on Boeing 787 · Boeing 777 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 6,546 miles (5,688 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Generally smooth. Mountain ranges over Europe/Iran can cause brief turbulence.

New York to Tel Aviv Flight Time

How long is the flight from JFK to TLV?

10h 30m

Flight Time

6,546 mi

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 787

Aircraft

The New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV) flight takes approximately 10h 30m, covering 6,546 miles (5,688 nautical miles) at 38,000 feet. The route is operated by El Al, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on JFK–TLV

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 JFK–TLV

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on JFK–TLV

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

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

Parent traveling with kids · April

Some light chop crossing the Zagros — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in December.

Regular traveler · December

The 10h 30m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · January

All JFK routes→ All TLV routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the New York to Tel Aviv flight turbulent?

The JFK–TLV route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 44/100.

When is turbulence worst on JFK to TLV?

Generally smooth. Mountain ranges over Europe/Iran can cause brief turbulence. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on JFK to TLV?

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 JFK to TLV?

The JFK to TLV flight takes approximately 10h 30m, covering 6,546 miles (5,688 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly JFK to TLV?

The main airlines operating this route are El Al, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, flying Boeing 787 · Boeing 777 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