How long is flight JL2?

The HND to LAX route is the basis for the schedule. View the full route forecast and typical duration on the Turbcast route page.

Flight JL2

JL2 Turbulence ForecastJapan Airlines · HND → LAX

About flight JL2

Airline: Japan Airlines (JL)
Route: HND → LAX
Typical Aircraft: B777
Distance: 8,812 km
Duration: 10h 45m
Cruise Altitude: FL390

See today’s turbulence forecast

Japan Airlines JL2 flies the jet-stream + mountain-wave corridor from Tokyo to Los Angeles. Conditions change hour to hour - view the live forecast for your departure date.

View live forecast

Check JL2 on a specific date

Turbulence on the HND → LAX route

Jet-stream exposure on this corridor is significant. Long mid-latitude legs mean clear-air turbulence is the dominant source of bumps, typically encountered at cruise altitude. The route crosses or passes near the Japanese Alps, Rocky Mountains, which can generate mountain-wave turbulence downwind when upper-level winds are strong. Flying eastbound, aircraft usually benefit from tailwinds near the jet core, which trims flight time - but the edges of the jet are where clear-air turbulence most often sits.

Calmest season: Late spring to early autumn (May-September). This corridor is most turbulent in the northern winter (Nov-Mar), when the jet stream is strongest and sits closer to the route. Wind flowing over the Japanese Alps can generate mountain-wave turbulence that extends hundreds of kilometres downwind - most pronounced in the northern winter (Nov-Mar), when upper-level winds are strongest.

Full HND to LAX route guide

Frequently asked questions

Is JL2 usually a bumpy flight?

Japan Airlines JL2 operates between HND and LAX. Whether it’s bumpy depends on the day’s weather - Turbcast pulls live NOAA aviation-grade data so you can check the actual forecast for your departure date rather than relying on averages.

What aircraft does JL2 use?

JL2 is typically operated by the B777. Aircraft swaps happen - confirm with your booking before flying.

How long is the HND to LAX flight?

Approximately 10h 45m direct, covering 8,812 km at a typical cruise of FL390.

When does JL2 have the smoothest weather?

Historically calmest during Late spring to early autumn (May-September). Forecast accuracy improves as you get closer to departure - within 48 hours the NOAA WAFS model is at peak skill.