When is the Sendai 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 SDJ to CTS route?

The SDJ–CTS route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air.

Is turbulence on SDJ to CTS dangerous?

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

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

SDJ to CTS Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Sendai to Sapporo flight turbulent?

The SDJ–CTS route typically experiences smooth turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SDJ to CTS?

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 SDJ to CTS?

The SDJ to CTS flight takes approximately 1h 20m, covering 323 miles (281 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 29,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

SDJ

→

CTS

Sendai · Sapporo · 1h 20m

24.4

Turb Score

1h 20m

Duration

281 nm

Distance

29,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Smooth

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SDJ–CTS

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 20m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SDJ–CTS route

The Sendai to Sapporo route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 29,000 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 Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 29,000 feet over a distance of 323 miles (281 nautical miles).

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

Sendai to Sapporo Flight Time

How long is the flight from SDJ to CTS?

1h 20m

Flight Time

323 mi

Distance

29,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Sendai (SDJ) to Sapporo (CTS) flight takes approximately 1h 20m, covering 323 miles (281 nautical miles) at 29,000 feet. The route is operated by Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air. Return flights (CTS to SDJ) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SDJ–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

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Best time to fly SDJ–CTS

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SDJ–CTS

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

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Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Totally smooth April flight. The seatbelt sign came on once briefly mid-flight but nothing actually happened. Great trip.

Leisure traveler · April

Fly this route pretty regularly for work. Most of the time it's smooth — December was completely fine, not a bump worth mentioning.

Business traveler · December

Was nervous about this flight but honestly didn't need to be. Smooth the whole way, the 1h 20m went by fast.

First-time passenger · January

All SDJ routes→ All CTS routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sendai to Sapporo flight turbulent?

The SDJ–CTS route typically experiences smooth turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 24.4/100.

When is turbulence worst on SDJ to CTS?

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 SDJ to CTS?

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 SDJ to CTS?

The SDJ to CTS flight takes approximately 1h 20m, covering 323 miles (281 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SDJ to CTS?

The main airlines operating this route are Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, 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