When is the Beijing to Shanghai 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 PKX to PVG route?

The PKX–PVG route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Air China, China Eastern, China Southern.

Is turbulence on PKX to PVG dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PKX–PVG 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 PKX to PVG flight?

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

PKX to PVG Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Beijing to Shanghai flight turbulent?

The PKX–PVG route typically experiences light turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PKX to PVG?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 10–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from PKX to PVG?

The PKX to PVG flight takes approximately 1h 55m, covering 652 miles (567 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet.

Is the Beijing to Shanghai flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

PKX

→

PVG

Beijing · Shanghai · 1h 55m

36.2

Turb Score

1h 55m

Duration

567 nm

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PKX–PVG

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 55m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PKX–PVG route

The Beijing to Shanghai route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 33,000 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 Air China, China Eastern, China Southern on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 33,000 feet over a distance of 652 miles (567 nautical miles).

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

Beijing to Shanghai Flight Time

How long is the flight from PKX to PVG?

1h 55m

Flight Time

652 mi

Distance

33,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Beijing (PKX) to Shanghai (PVG) flight takes approximately 1h 55m, covering 652 miles (567 nautical miles) at 33,000 feet. The route is operated by Air China, China Eastern, China Southern. Return flights (PVG to PKX) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on PKX–PVG

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 PKX–PVG

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PKX–PVG

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

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

Los Angeles → Shanghai

Moderate

SFO → PVG

San Francisco → Shanghai

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

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Beijing–Shanghai in April, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · April

The 1h 55m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · October

There was some noticeable movement over the subcontinent 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 PKX routes→ All PVG routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Beijing to Shanghai flight turbulent?

The PKX–PVG route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 36.2/100.

When is turbulence worst on PKX to PVG?

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 PKX to PVG?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from PKX to PVG?

The PKX to PVG flight takes approximately 1h 55m, covering 652 miles (567 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PKX to PVG?

The main airlines operating this route are Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, flying Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 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