LHR to JFK Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the London to New York flight turbulent?

The LHR–JFK route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on LHR to JFK?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777, that's rows 20–38. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

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

The LHR to JFK flight takes approximately 8h 15m.

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

Live forecast

LHR

→

JFK

London · New York · 8h 15m

Turb Score

8h 15m

Duration

3,006 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LHR–JFK

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h8h 15m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the LHR–JFK route

The London to New York route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 37,000 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 American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic on Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 3,459 miles (3,006 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LHR–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

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Best time to fly LHR–JFK

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on LHR–JFK

Boeing 777

Front

Rows 1–19

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 20–38

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 39+

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

See all transatlantic flights →

All LHR routes→ All JFK routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the London to New York flight turbulent?

The LHR–JFK route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 62/100.

When is turbulence worst on LHR to JFK?

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 LHR to JFK?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–38. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from LHR to JFK?

The LHR to JFK flight takes approximately 8h 15m, covering 3,459 miles (3,006 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly LHR to JFK?

The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, flying Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft.