When is the Amsterdam to Los Angeles 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 AMS to LAX route?

The AMS–LAX route is typically operated by B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7. Airlines include KLM, Delta Air Lines.

Is turbulence on AMS to LAX dangerous?

No — turbulence on the AMS–LAX 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 AMS to LAX flight?

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

AMS to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Amsterdam to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The AMS–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on AMS to LAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7, that's rows 20-30. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from AMS to LAX?

The AMS to LAX flight takes approximately 11h 30min, covering 6,389 miles (5,551 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

AMS

→

LAX

Amsterdam · Los Angeles · 11h 30min

Turb Score

11h 30min

Duration

5,551 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for AMS–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h11h 30min

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the AMS–LAX route

The Amsterdam to Los Angeles route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 37,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by KLM, Delta Air Lines on B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 6,389 miles (5,551 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Amsterdam to Los Angeles Flight Time

How long is the flight from AMS to LAX?

11h 30min

Flight Time

6,389 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Aircraft

The Amsterdam (AMS) to Los Angeles (LAX) flight takes approximately 11h 30min, covering 6,389 miles (5,551 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by KLM, Delta Air Lines. Return flights (LAX to AMS) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on AMS–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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly AMS–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on AMS–LAX

291

Front

Rows 1–19

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 20-30

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 31+

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

Amsterdam → Buenos Aires

Light

AMS → YVR

Amsterdam → Vancouver

Light

JAC → LAX

Jackson Hole → Los Angeles

Severe

FCA → LAX

Kalispell → Los Angeles

Severe

MTJ → LAX

Montrose → Los Angeles

Severe

See all transatlantic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

The over the Atlantic 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 30min flight but we landed fine.

Solo traveler · December

This was genuinely difficult for me. Real bumps for a long stretch crossing the jet stream, seatbelt sign on for what felt like forever. The flight attendants were calm which helped. Got through it.

Nervous flyer · April

Moderate turbulence somewhere over Greenland — the kind where you're glad you kept your seatbelt on. Lasted about 30-40 minutes, then smoothed out. I've had worse on transatlantic routes.

Frequent flyer · June

All AMS routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Amsterdam to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The AMS–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 6/100.

When is turbulence worst on AMS to LAX?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on AMS to LAX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a 291 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20-30. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from AMS to LAX?

The AMS to LAX flight takes approximately 11h 30min, covering 6,389 miles (5,551 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly AMS to LAX?

The main airlines operating this route are KLM, Delta Air Lines, flying B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7 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