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NRT to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
NRT
→
LAX
Tokyo · Los Angeles · 12h 30m
71
Turb Score
12h 30m
Duration
5,466 nm
Distance
38,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for NRT–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h12h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the NRT–LAX route

The Tokyo to Los Angeles route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,292 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, United Airlines on Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 6,292 miles (5,466 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on NRT–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 NRT–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on NRT–LAX

Boeing 777

Front
Rows 1–21
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 22–40
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

NRT to LAX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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ICN → SFO
Seoul → San Francisco
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HKG → LAX
Hong Kong → Los Angeles
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Tokyo to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The NRT–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Heavy turbulence likely — stay seated with seatbelt fastened. The turbulence score for this route is 71/100.
When is turbulence worst on NRT to LAX?
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 NRT to LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 22–40. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from NRT to LAX?
The NRT to LAX flight takes approximately 12h 30m, covering 6,292 miles (5,466 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly NRT to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, flying Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft.