Home› Routes› Transpacific Flights› LAX → MEL

LAX to MEL Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
MEL
Los Angeles · Melbourne · 16h 0m
54
Turb Score
16h 0m
Duration
7,921 nm
Distance
39,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — LAX to MEL
⚠️ 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–MEL

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h16h 0m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–MEL route

The Los Angeles to Melbourne route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 9,113 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 Qantas, United Airlines on Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 39,000 feet over a distance of 9,113 miles (7,921 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LAX–MEL

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–MEL

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–MEL

Boeing 787

Front
Rows 1–19
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 20–35
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 36+
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 MEL turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → SYD
Los Angeles → Sydney
Light
SFO → SYD
San Francisco → Sydney
Light
LAX → NRT
Los Angeles → Tokyo
Moderate
LAX → SIN
Los Angeles → Singapore
Light
SFO → HNL
San Francisco → Honolulu
Light
LAX → HKG
Los Angeles → Hong Kong
Moderate
See all transpacific flights →
All LAX routes→ All MEL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to Melbourne flight turbulent?
The LAX–MEL route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 54/100.
When is turbulence worst on LAX to MEL?
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 LAX to MEL?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 787 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–35. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from LAX to MEL?
The LAX to MEL flight takes approximately 16h 0m, covering 9,113 miles (7,921 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to MEL?
The main airlines operating this route are Qantas, United Airlines, flying Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 aircraft.