How long is flight QF9?

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

Flight QF9

QF9 Turbulence ForecastQantas · PER → LHR

About flight QF9

The Perth-London Dreamliner - Qantas's nonstop Australia-Europe service.

Airline: Qantas (QF)
Route: PER → LHR
Typical Aircraft: B789
Distance: 14,508 km
Duration: 17h 22m
Cruise Altitude: FL410

See today’s turbulence forecast

Qantas QF9 flies the jet-stream + mountain-wave corridor from Perth to London. Conditions change hour to hour - view the live forecast for your departure date.

View live forecast

Check QF9 on a specific date

Turbulence on the PER → LHR 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 Caucasus, 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. Westbound aircraft typically fly against the prevailing winds, adding flight time. Captains often pick altitudes that avoid the strongest headwinds, which can also mean picking cleaner-air altitudes.

Calmest season: Dry season. Wind flowing over the Caucasus 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 PER to LHR route guide

Frequently asked questions

Is QF9 usually a bumpy flight?

Qantas QF9 operates between PER and LHR. 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 QF9 use?

QF9 is typically operated by the B789. Aircraft swaps happen - confirm with your booking before flying.

How long is the PER to LHR flight?

Approximately 17h 22m direct, covering 14,508 km at a typical cruise of FL410.

When does QF9 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.