Seattle to New York: what the SEA to JFK corridor looks like
- Departure
- Seattle Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, the United States
- Arrival
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, the United States
- Great-circle distance
- 3,887 km (2,099 nm)
- Typical airborne time
- 5h 01m
- Usual cruise levels
- FL330 to FL390
- Initial track
- eastbound
Route overview
Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Seattle, the United States, to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, the United States, is a great-circle distance of 3,887 km, about 2,099 nautical miles. At typical jet cruise speeds, and with an allowance for climb, descent and approach, that works out to roughly 5h 01m of airborne time. The great-circle track leaves Seattle eastbound and spends most of the flight in mid latitude air.
Jet stream plus mountain wave
Two things shape this corridor. Westerly wind flowing over the western North American ranges sets off mountain waves in the lower part of the cruise band, and further along the track the polar jet stream adds clear air turbulence in its shear zone. Crews normally see the mountain segment near one end of the flight and the jet segment in mid cruise, with calm air between them.
Cruise altitudes on this sector
Medium haul sectors typically level off between FL330 and FL390, with a single step climb once fuel burn has lightened the aircraft. 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
Winter is the more active season here: both the jet stream and the westerly flow over the mountains are stronger between November and March, while July and August are typically the quietest months.
Flying this route with less worry
Turbulence on this corridor is a comfort issue rather than a safety one. Airliners are certified to handle loads well beyond anything the atmosphere produces here, crews are trained for it, and the seat belt sign is the tool that keeps the cabin settled. What this page adds is knowing in advance: the map and Calmness Score above use current WAFS forecast data for SEA to JFK, so you can see what to expect before you board.