PVG to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Shanghai to San Francisco flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PVG to SFO?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777, that's rows 22–40. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

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

The PVG to SFO flight takes approximately 13h 00m.

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

Live forecast

PVG

→

SFO

Shanghai · San Francisco · 13h 00m

Turb Score

13h 00m

Duration

5,875 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store

★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up

Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PVG–SFO

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h13h 00m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PVG–SFO route

The Shanghai to San Francisco route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,762 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 6,762 miles (5,875 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on PVG–SFO

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

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly PVG–SFO

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PVG–SFO

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

SFO → PVG

San Francisco → Shanghai

Moderate

PVG → LAX

Shanghai → Los Angeles

Moderate

NRT → SFO

Tokyo → San Francisco

Moderate

HKG → SFO

Hong Kong → San Francisco

Light

HKG → LAX

Hong Kong → Los Angeles

Moderate

ICN → SFO

Seoul → San Francisco

Moderate

See all transpacific flights →

All PVG routes→ All SFO routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Shanghai to San Francisco flight turbulent?

The PVG–SFO 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 SFO?

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 SFO?

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 SFO?

The PVG to SFO flight takes approximately 13h 00m, covering 6,762 miles (5,875 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PVG to SFO?

The main airlines operating this route are Air China, China Eastern, United Airlines, flying Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft.