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ORD to NRT Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
ORD
→
NRT
Chicago · Tokyo · 13h 0m
65
Turb Score
13h 0m
Duration
6,272 nm
Distance
38,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for ORD–NRT

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h13h 0m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the ORD–NRT route

The Chicago to Tokyo route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 7,217 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, United Airlines on Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 7,217 miles (6,272 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on ORD–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

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Best time to fly ORD–NRT

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on ORD–NRT

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → NRT
Los Angeles → Tokyo
Moderate
SFO → NRT
San Francisco → Tokyo
Moderate
JFK → NRT
New York → Tokyo
Moderate
ORD → LHR
Chicago → London
Moderate
ORD → FRA
Chicago → Frankfurt
Moderate
LAX → ICN
Los Angeles → Seoul
Moderate
See all transpacific flights →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Tokyo flight turbulent?
The ORD–NRT route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 65/100.
When is turbulence worst on ORD 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 ORD to NRT?
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 ORD to NRT?
The ORD to NRT flight takes approximately 13h 0m, covering 7,217 miles (6,272 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly ORD to NRT?
The main airlines operating this route are Japan Airlines, United Airlines, flying Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft.