LHR to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the London to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on LHR to LAX?

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 LHR to LAX?

The LHR to LAX flight takes approximately 11h 00m.

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

Live forecast

LHR

→

LAX

London · Los Angeles · 11h 00m

Turb Score

11h 00m

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 LHR–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h11h 00m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the LHR–LAX route

The London to Los Angeles 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 LHR–LAX

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–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on LHR–LAX

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

London → San Francisco

See all transatlantic flights →

All LHR routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the London to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The LHR–LAX 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 LHR to LAX?

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 LAX?

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 LHR to LAX?

The LHR to LAX flight takes approximately 11h 00m, covering 5,470 miles (4,752 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly LHR to LAX?

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