When is the Vancouver 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 YVR to PVG route?

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

Is turbulence on YVR to PVG dangerous?

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

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

YVR to PVG Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Vancouver to Shanghai flight turbulent?

The YVR–PVG route typically experiences light turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on YVR to PVG?

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 YVR to PVG?

The YVR to PVG flight takes approximately 11h 25m, covering 5,602 miles (4,868 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

YVR

→

PVG

Vancouver · Shanghai · 11h 25m

40.7

Turb Score

11h 25m

Duration

4,868 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android

Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android · Free

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for YVR–PVG

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h11h 25m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the YVR–PVG route

The Vancouver to Shanghai route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 5,602 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 5,602 miles (4,868 nautical miles).

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

Vancouver to Shanghai Flight Time

How long is the flight from YVR to PVG?

11h 25m

Flight Time

5,602 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The Vancouver (YVR) to Shanghai (PVG) flight takes approximately 11h 25m, covering 5,602 miles (4,868 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by United, American Airlines, Delta. Return flights (PVG to YVR) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on YVR–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

Download on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

Best time to fly YVR–PVG

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on YVR–PVG

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

Los Angeles → Shanghai

Moderate

SFO → PVG

San Francisco → Shanghai

See all transpacific flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

→

Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Flew Vancouver–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

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

First-time flyer · November

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps over the North Pacific. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · January

All YVR routes→ All PVG routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vancouver to Shanghai flight turbulent?

The YVR–PVG route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 40.7/100.

When is turbulence worst on YVR to PVG?

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 YVR to PVG?

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 YVR to PVG?

The YVR to PVG flight takes approximately 11h 25m, covering 5,602 miles (4,868 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly YVR to PVG?

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