How long is flight QF12?

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

Flight QF12

QF12 Turbulence ForecastQantas · LAX → SYD

About flight QF12

Airline: Qantas (QF)
Route: LAX → SYD
Typical Aircraft: A380
Distance: 12,061 km
Duration: 14h 31m
Cruise Altitude: FL410

See today’s turbulence forecast

Qantas QF12 flies the mountain-wave sensitive route from Los Angeles to Sydney. Conditions change hour to hour - view the live forecast for your departure date.

View live forecast

Check QF12 on a specific date

Turbulence on the LAX → SYD route

This is a short or low-latitude sector, so clear-air turbulence from upper-level jets is rare. The route crosses or passes near the Rocky Mountains, which can generate mountain-wave turbulence downwind when upper-level winds are strong. At tropical latitudes, convective turbulence from thunderstorms is the main driver - pilots generally route around storm cells, but afternoon/evening flights encounter more build-up than morning departures.

Calmest season: Dry season. This corridor is most turbulent in the relevant hemisphere’s winter, when the jet stream is strongest and sits closer to the route. Wind flowing over the Rocky Mountains can generate mountain-wave turbulence that extends hundreds of kilometres downwind - most pronounced in the relevant hemisphere’s winter, when upper-level winds are strongest. At tropical latitudes, convective (thunderstorm-driven) turbulence dominates during regional wet seasons and monsoon cycles, typically worst in the afternoon and evening.

Full LAX to SYD route guide

Frequently asked questions

Is QF12 usually a bumpy flight?

Qantas QF12 operates between LAX and SYD. 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 QF12 use?

QF12 is typically operated by the A380. Aircraft swaps happen - confirm with your booking before flying.

How long is the LAX to SYD flight?

Approximately 14h 31m direct, covering 12,061 km at a typical cruise of FL410.

When does QF12 have the smoothest weather?

Historically calmest during Dry season. Forecast accuracy improves as you get closer to departure - within 48 hours the NOAA WAFS model is at peak skill.