Is the flight to Australia turbulent?
Most of the 14–15 hour Pacific crossing is smooth over open ocean. The two areas that add bumps are the Intertropical Convergence Zone near the equator, where tropical thunderstorms cluster, and the descent into Sydney or Melbourne, where Southern Ocean fronts and coastal winds can make the approach gusty.
When is the smoothest time to fly to Australia?
Because seasons are reversed, Australia's autumn and spring (their Mar–May and Sep–Nov) often bring settled weather at the destination. The equatorial storm belt is active year-round, but its position shifts, so some crossings are calmer than others.
Why is there turbulence crossing the equator?
The Intertropical Convergence Zone — the band where the trade winds meet — is the most thunderstorm-prone region on the planet. Flights crossing it can encounter convective turbulence, though pilots use radar to steer around the biggest cells.
Where should I sit on a flight to Australia?
Over the wing, near the aircraft's center of gravity, gives the steadiest ride. Keep your seatbelt fastened even when the sign is off — clear-air turbulence over the Pacific can appear suddenly. On overnight flights the smoothest air is usually found by belting over the blanket and staying buckled while you sleep.