Dubai to Los Angeles: what the DXB to LAX corridor looks like
- Departure
- Dubai International Airport, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates
- Arrival
- Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, the United States
- Great-circle distance
- 13,400 km (7,235 nm)
- Typical airborne time
- 16h 05m
- Usual cruise levels
- FL320 to FL410
- Initial track
- northbound
Route overview
The DXB to LAX sector connects Dubai International Airport in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, with Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, the United States. Measured along the great circle the two airports are 13,400 km apart, roughly 7,235 nautical miles, which is close to 16h 05m in the air before winds and routing are taken into account. The initial track is northbound, and the middle of the route sits in subtropical latitudes.
Jet stream along the track
Along the way the track passes over the open Atlantic. Most of the cruise on this corridor runs close to the polar jet stream. Clear air turbulence forms in the shear zone at the jet boundary, so crews watch the forecast wind field and pick the track and level that keep them clear of it. When bumps do appear they tend to arrive in short bands rather than lasting for hours.
Cruise altitudes on this sector
Ultra long sectors begin cruise lower, often near FL320 because of the fuel load, and finish two or three step climbs higher, up to FL400 or FL410. Choice of level matters because turbulence is layered: a change of two or three thousand feet often puts the aircraft into calmer air, and that is one of the first adjustments a crew will request.
Seasonal pattern
Seasonally, the polar jet stream is strongest in the northern winter, so flights between November and March meet more clear air turbulence than the same route in June or September.
Flying this route with less worry
It is worth remembering that turbulence of the kind found on the DXB to LAX track is uncomfortable and entirely within what the aircraft is built for. Wings are designed to flex, the flight is planned around the forecast, and the crew adjusts level or track when it helps. The live forecast above shows the current picture for this corridor so there are fewer surprises on the day.