B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 4500
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
Aircraft struck A380 wake turbulence. Flying into sun late afternoon [at FL360]; we saw the contrails of an approaching aircraft at FL370; left to right at an angle of approximately 45 [degrees]. It was first viewed at about our 11 o'clock; then moved slowly through our 12 o'clock to pass down our right side; 1;000 FT above at FL370. I estimate it was 2 miles at its closest. We could not determine the aircraft type; but thought it was probably a B777 or similar. After the aircraft had passed we noticed that the contrails had descended rapidly to our level; and we then flew through them; encountering a short burst of moderate turbulence that surprised us with its ferocity.The seat belt sign had been off due to a totally smooth cruise. I checked in with the Purser and was relieved to find out that there were no injuries in the cabin. I would estimate the total encounter time to be under 3 seconds. I called into SLC Center to ask what aircraft type had just passed us; and they replied that it was an A380; super category. I advised the Controller that we had hit a significant level of wake turbulence; but fortunately no injuries. He could not have sounded less interested. I told him we should have been notified of such a large aircraft in our vicinity and I said I would be filing an ASAP to highlight the event.This had to be a completely avoidable situation; with some proactive activity on the part of ATC. I am wondering why that aircraft was not [pointed out] to us; and why increased separation strategies for heavy or super aircraft are not being applied especially in RVSM airspace. If we had both been turned to the right early enough; that wake would not have been an issue. How is it that I am routinely advised of opposite direction and converging aircraft of aircraft like RJ's but when a super wake turbulence category A380 comes along; no warning is given?
B757-200 Captain reported wake turbulence in cruise at FL360 from an A380 at FL370. Captain stated he would have liked a point out from ATC.