When is the London to Tokyo route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the LHR to NRT route?

The LHR–NRT route is typically operated by Boeing 777 · Boeing 787. Airlines include Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways.

Is turbulence on LHR to NRT dangerous?

No — turbulence on the LHR–NRT route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my LHR to NRT flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the LHR–NRT route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

LHR to NRT Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the London to Tokyo flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on LHR to NRT?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777 · Boeing 787, that's rows 24–40. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The LHR to NRT flight takes approximately 12h 00m, covering 6,884 miles (5,982 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

LHR

→

NRT

London · Tokyo · 12h 00m

Turb Score

12h 00m

Duration

5,982 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LHR–NRT

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h12h 00m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the LHR–NRT route

The London to Tokyo route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,884 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 Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways on Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 6,884 miles (5,982 nautical miles).

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

London to Tokyo Flight Time

How long is the flight from LHR to NRT?

12h 00m

Flight Time

6,884 mi

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The London (LHR) to Tokyo (NRT) flight takes approximately 12h 00m, covering 6,884 miles (5,982 nautical miles) at 38,000 feet. The route is operated by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways. Return flights (NRT to LHR) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on LHR–NRT

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

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Best time to fly LHR–NRT

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on LHR–NRT

Boeing 777

Front

Rows 1–23

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 24–40

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 41+

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

San Francisco → Tokyo

See all transpacific flights →

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Best Seat Guide

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Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Is Turbulence Dangerous?

What the safety data shows

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Passenger Reports

Rough patch over the Pacific in May — drinks went everywhere on the row behind me. Probably 45 minutes of actual turbulence. Nothing dangerous but definitely uncomfortable.

Business traveler · May

More turbulent than I expected. The over the Pacific section was pretty rough — overhead bins rattling, some gasps from other passengers. Died down before landing.

Leisure traveler · July

Flew this in April expecting smooth skies based on past experience, but it was noticeably bumpier than usual. About an hour of moderate chop. Seatbelt sign basically stayed on.

Regular traveler · April

All LHR routes→ All NRT routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the London to Tokyo flight turbulent?

The LHR–NRT route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 60/100.

When is turbulence worst on LHR to NRT?

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 LHR to NRT?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 24–40. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from LHR to NRT?

The LHR to NRT flight takes approximately 12h 00m, covering 6,884 miles (5,982 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly LHR to NRT?

The main airlines operating this route are Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, flying Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data