Home› Routes› LAX → JFK

LAX to JFK Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
JFK
Los Angeles · New York · 5h 20m
50
Turb Score
5h 20m
Duration
2,153 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — LAX to JFK
⚠️ Light turbulence today
Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free
Download free on the App Store
★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up
Scan to download Turbulence Forecast
Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LAX–JFK

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 20m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–JFK route

The Los Angeles to New York domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,478 miles at around 36,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 2,478 miles (2,153 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Turbulence levels on LAX–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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly LAX–JFK

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–JFK

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

LAX to JFK turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

JFK → LAX
New York → Los Angeles
Light

Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to New York flight turbulent?
The LAX–JFK route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 50/100.
When is turbulence worst on LAX to JFK?
Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on LAX to JFK?
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 LAX to JFK?
The LAX to JFK flight takes approximately 5h 20m, covering 2,478 miles (2,153 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to JFK?
The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 757 aircraft.