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PVG to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
PVG
→
LAX
Shanghai · Los Angeles · 14h 00m
60
Turb Score
14h 00m
Duration
6,468 nm
Distance
38,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PVG–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h14h 00m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the PVG–LAX route

The Shanghai to Los Angeles route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 7,444 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 Air China, China Eastern, United Airlines on Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 7,444 miles (6,468 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on PVG–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 PVG–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on PVG–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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → PVG
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Moderate
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Hong Kong → Los Angeles
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PEK → LAX
Beijing → Los Angeles
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ICN → LAX
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See all transpacific flights →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Shanghai to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The PVG–LAX 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 PVG 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 PVG 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 PVG to LAX?
The PVG to LAX flight takes approximately 14h 00m, covering 7,444 miles (6,468 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly PVG to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Air China, China Eastern, United Airlines, flying Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft.