When is the Philadelphia to Sapporo 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 PHL to CTS route?

The PHL–CTS route is typically operated by Boeing 777 · Airbus A350. Airlines include United, American Airlines, Delta.

Is turbulence on PHL to CTS dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PHL–CTS 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 PHL to CTS flight?

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

PHL to CTS Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Philadelphia to Sapporo flight turbulent?

The PHL–CTS route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PHL to CTS?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777 · Airbus A350, that's rows 20–38. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from PHL to CTS?

The PHL to CTS flight takes approximately 12h 35m, covering 6,278 miles (5,455 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Philadelphia to Sapporo flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

PHL

→

CTS

Philadelphia · Sapporo · 12h 35m

36.0

Turb Score

12h 35m

Duration

5,455 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PHL–CTS

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h12h 35m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PHL–CTS route

The Philadelphia to Sapporo route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,278 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 United, American Airlines, Delta on Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 6,278 miles (5,455 nautical miles).

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

Philadelphia to Sapporo Flight Time

How long is the flight from PHL to CTS?

12h 35m

Flight Time

6,278 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The Philadelphia (PHL) to Sapporo (CTS) flight takes approximately 12h 35m, covering 6,278 miles (5,455 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by United, American Airlines, Delta. Return flights (CTS to PHL) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on PHL–CTS

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 PHL–CTS

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PHL–CTS

Boeing 777

Front

Rows 1–19

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 20–38

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 39+

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

Philadelphia → Frankfurt

Moderate

PHL → LHR

Philadelphia → London

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Clear-Air Turbulence

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

The 12h 35m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · April

Flew Philadelphia–Sapporo in January, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · January

There was some noticeable movement over the North Pacific that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · January

All PHL routes→ All CTS routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Philadelphia to Sapporo flight turbulent?

The PHL–CTS route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 36.0/100.

When is turbulence worst on PHL to CTS?

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 PHL to CTS?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–38. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from PHL to CTS?

The PHL to CTS flight takes approximately 12h 35m, covering 6,278 miles (5,455 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PHL to CTS?

The main airlines operating this route are United, American Airlines, Delta, flying Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 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