LAX to LHR Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Los Angeles to London flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on LAX to LHR?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 747, that's rows 25–42. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

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

The LAX to LHR flight takes approximately 10h 15m.

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

Live forecast

LAX

→

LHR

Los Angeles · London · 10h 15m

Turb Score

10h 15m

Duration

4,752 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 LAX–LHR

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h10h 15m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the LAX–LHR route

The Los Angeles to London route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 38,000 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 British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines on Boeing 747 · Airbus A380 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 5,470 miles (4,752 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LAX–LHR

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 LAX–LHR

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on LAX–LHR

Boeing 747

Front

Rows 1–24

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 25–42

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 43+

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to London flight turbulent?

The LAX–LHR route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 48/100.

When is turbulence worst on LAX to LHR?

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 LAX to LHR?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 747 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 25–42. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from LAX to LHR?

The LAX to LHR flight takes approximately 10h 15m, covering 5,470 miles (4,752 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly LAX to LHR?

The main airlines operating this route are British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, flying Boeing 747 · Airbus A380 · Boeing 787 aircraft.