SMF to JFK Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Sacramento to New York flight turbulent?

The SMF–JFK route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SMF to JFK?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

Q: How long is the flight from SMF to JFK?

The SMF to JFK flight takes approximately 5h 45m.

Is the Sacramento to New York flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SMF

→

JFK

Sacramento · New York · 5h 45m

Turb Score

5h 45m

Duration

2,497 nm

Distance

38,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SMF–JFK

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 45m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SMF–JFK route

The Sacramento to New York domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,873 miles at around 38,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by JetBlue, Southwest, Delta on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 2,873 miles (2,497 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Turbulence levels on SMF–JFK

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 SMF–JFK

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SMF–JFK

Boeing 737 (186 seats)

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14–22

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 23+

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 → JFK

San Francisco → New York

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Passenger Reports

The 5h 45m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · November

A few bumpy patches over the Midwest, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · January

Some light chop over the Midwest — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in July.

Regular traveler · July

All SMF routes→ All JFK routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sacramento to New York flight turbulent?

The SMF–JFK route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 52/100.

When is turbulence worst on SMF to JFK?

Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SMF to JFK?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats) (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SMF to JFK?

The SMF to JFK flight takes approximately 5h 45m, covering 2,873 miles (2,497 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SMF to JFK?

The main airlines operating this route are JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 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