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LAX to SYD Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
SYD
Los Angeles · Sydney · 15h 25m
55
Turb Score
15h 25m
Duration
7,488 nm
Distance
39,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LAX–SYD

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h15h 25m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–SYD route

The Los Angeles to Sydney route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 8,620 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 8,620 miles (7,488 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LAX–SYD

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–SYD

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–SYD

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 SYD turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

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Moderate

Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to Sydney flight turbulent?
The LAX–SYD route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 55/100.
When is turbulence worst on LAX to SYD?
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 SYD?
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 SYD?
The LAX to SYD flight takes approximately 15h 25m, covering 8,620 miles (7,488 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to SYD?
The main airlines operating this route are Qantas, United Airlines, flying Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 aircraft.