How long is flight QF94?

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

Flight QF94

QF94 Turbulence ForecastQantas · LAX → MEL

About flight QF94

Airline: Qantas (QF)
Route: LAX → MEL
Typical Aircraft: B789
Distance: 12,758 km
Duration: 15h 20m
Cruise Altitude: FL410

See today’s turbulence forecast

Qantas QF94 flies the jet-stream + mountain-wave corridor from Los Angeles to Melbourne. Conditions change hour to hour - view the live forecast for your departure date.

View live forecast

Check QF94 on a specific date

Turbulence on the LAX → MEL 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 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. 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. 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 MEL route guide

Frequently asked questions

Is QF94 usually a bumpy flight?

Qantas QF94 operates between LAX and MEL. 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 QF94 use?

QF94 is typically operated by the B789. Aircraft swaps happen - confirm with your booking before flying.

How long is the LAX to MEL flight?

Approximately 15h 20m direct, covering 12,758 km at a typical cruise of FL410.

When does QF94 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.