Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 338; Flight Crew Type 12000
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
Climbing to FL380; ARTCC cleared us direct Hastings (HSI) and capped our altitude at FL340 due to an opposite-direction [A380] aircraft; which was passing at an angle overhead slightly from the left to the right at FL350. Directly ahead of us was a building line of thunderstorms; which appeared to top FL340. Shortly after the other aircraft passed overhead; we were cleared to climb to FL380. We were approaching the weather quickly; so we opted to begin our climb right away. Just prior to passing FL350; we encountered moderate turbulence from the wake of the other aircraft; lasting about three seconds. We continued the climb to FL380. The fasten seatbelt sign was on and all passengers were seated. The Flight Attendants were beginning service. The A Flight Attendant reported that no passengers or Flight Attendants were injured. ATC was notified of the wake turbulence encounter.ATC could have turned the other aircraft parallel to opposite-direction traffic; and avoided crossing our future climb flight path.
B737 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence climbing through FL350 from an opposite direction A380 at the same altitude.