When is the Manila to Tokyo 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 MNL to NRT route?

The MNL–NRT route is typically operated by B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 7 · 7. Airlines include Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA.

Is turbulence on MNL to NRT dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MNL–NRT 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 MNL to NRT flight?

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

MNL to NRT Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Manila to Tokyo flight turbulent?

The MNL–NRT route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MNL to NRT?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 7 · 7, that's rows 25-35. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from MNL to NRT?

The MNL to NRT flight takes approximately 4h 0min, covering 2,138 miles (1,858 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Manila to Tokyo flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MNL

→

NRT

Manila · Tokyo · 4h 0min

Turb Score

4h 0min

Duration

1,858 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MNL–NRT

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 0min

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MNL–NRT route

The Manila to Tokyo 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 Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA on B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 7 · 7 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 2,138 miles (1,858 nautical miles).

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

Manila to Tokyo Flight Time

How long is the flight from MNL to NRT?

4h 0min

Flight Time

2,138 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Aircraft

The Manila (MNL) to Tokyo (NRT) flight takes approximately 4h 0min, covering 2,138 miles (1,858 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA. Return flights (NRT to MNL) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on MNL–NRT

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 MNL–NRT

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MNL–NRT

306

Front

Rows 1–24

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 25-35

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 36+

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

San Francisco → Tokyo

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

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

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 · August

Some light chop crossing the Rockies — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in January.

Regular traveler · January

The 4h 0min flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · April

All MNL routes→ All NRT routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Manila to Tokyo flight turbulent?

The MNL–NRT route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 4/100.

When is turbulence worst on MNL to NRT?

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 MNL to NRT?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a 306 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 25-35. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MNL to NRT?

The MNL to NRT flight takes approximately 4h 0min, covering 2,138 miles (1,858 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MNL to NRT?

The main airlines operating this route are Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, flying B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 7 · 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