When is the Shanghai to London 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 PVG to LHR route?

The PVG–LHR route is typically operated by Boeing 777 · Airbus A350. Airlines include China Eastern, British Airways.

Is turbulence on PVG to LHR dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PVG–LHR 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 PVG to LHR flight?

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

PVG to LHR Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Shanghai to London flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PVG to LHR?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777 · Airbus A350, that's rows 22–40. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The PVG to LHR flight takes approximately 11h 30m, covering 6,601 miles (5,738 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

PVG

→

LHR

Shanghai · London · 11h 30m

Turb Score

11h 30m

Duration

5,738 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PVG–LHR

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h11h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PVG–LHR route

The Shanghai to London route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,601 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 China Eastern, British Airways on Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 6,601 miles (5,738 nautical miles).

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

Shanghai to London Flight Time

How long is the flight from PVG to LHR?

11h 30m

Flight Time

6,601 mi

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The Shanghai (PVG) to London (LHR) flight takes approximately 11h 30m, covering 6,601 miles (5,738 nautical miles) at 38,000 feet. The route is operated by China Eastern, British Airways. Return flights (LHR to PVG) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on PVG–LHR

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–LHR

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PVG–LHR

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

Los Angeles → Shanghai

Moderate

SFO → PVG

San Francisco → Shanghai

See all transpacific flights →

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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

The over the North Pacific section was legitimately rough. I was holding on to the armrests. Lasted maybe 40 minutes. One of the flight attendants had to sit down. Not a fun 11h 30m flight but we landed fine.

Solo traveler · May

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

Business traveler · December

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

Leisure traveler · April

All PVG routes→ All LHR routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Shanghai to London flight turbulent?

The PVG–LHR route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 58/100.

When is turbulence worst on PVG to LHR?

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 LHR?

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 LHR?

The PVG to LHR flight takes approximately 11h 30m, covering 6,601 miles (5,738 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PVG to LHR?

The main airlines operating this route are China Eastern, British Airways, flying Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 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