Turbulence is one of the most misunderstood aspects of air travel, often causing unnecessary anxiety among passengers.
In reality, turbulence is a normal and usually harmless part of flying, caused by shifting air currents, weather patterns, jet streams, and even mountains.
Despite how unsettling it can feel, modern aircraft are engineered to handle turbulence with ease, and pilots are extensively trained to manage it.
This guide covers 23 essential things to know about turbulence, from its causes and types to safety tips and myths, offering clarity and reassurance to travelers who want to understand what’s happening when the ride gets bumpy.
1: What is Turbulence?
Turbulence is defined as the irregular movement of air around an aircraft. You can think of it like ripples in water or waves breaking on a reef.
The air has currents and varying density, which contribute to the smoothness, or lack thereof, of your flight.
Turbulence is caused by factors including weather patterns, temperature changes, jet streams, and even physical structures like mountains. It is a normal part of flying and can range significantly in intensity.
2: The Danger of Turbulence
The sources state that in nearly all cases, turbulence is not truly dangerous. Modern aircraft are specifically designed to withstand severe turbulence, and the plane’s wings are built to flex under stress.
A point many passengers may not realize is that aircraft essentially have one wing connected through the fuselage, making it extremely unlikely for it to break.
Pilots are highly trained to navigate turbulent conditions, often having undergone flight simulator training for such scenarios.
3: The Real Risk
The primary risk associated with turbulence is injury to passengers who are not wearing their seatbelts. During turbulence, loose objects can become dangerous projectiles, food can be spilled, and unbuckled passengers may be thrown from their seats.
This is precisely why flight attendants emphasize keeping seatbelts fastened when not moving around the cabin.
Seatbelts must be worn during critical phases like takeoff and landing, when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, during turbulence, and anytime requested by the crew.
4: Strength of Turbulence
There is a scale used to describe the strength of turbulence. Light turbulence involves slight strain against your seatbelt and doesn’t significantly impede walking, allowing flight crew to continue service, though the seatbelt sign may be on.
Moderate turbulence causes noticeable strain, items may dislodge from overhead bins, walking is difficult, and flight attendants are asked to take their seats.
Severe turbulence is stronger than gravity and can cause serious injuries by tossing or pinning passengers, potentially breaking bones. Extreme turbulence means the aircraft is violently tossed and nearly impossible to control.
5: Chop
Pilots might describe the aircraft as experiencing “chop”. This is often categorized as light or moderate. Chop is characterized by rapid and rhythmic bumpiness.
Unlike other types of turbulence, chop typically does not cause noticeable changes in the aircraft’s altitude for passengers.
Essentially, experiencing chop results in a bumpy ride that might be annoying, but it usually doesn’t involve significant discomfort or changes to the plane’s attitude (pitch, roll, or yaw).
6: Clear-Air Turbulence
One of the main types of turbulence is clear-air turbulence, often abbreviated as CAT. This type is caused by variations in wind speed and air currents, typically occurring between 20,000 and 49,000 feet.
Clear-air turbulence is particularly noteworthy because it occurs in clear skies and can be unpredictable.
While tragic incidents like the Singapore Airlines SQ321 flight have made headlines, this type of severe clear-air turbulence is not common.
According to CNN data cited, moderate turbulence is experienced far more frequently than severe turbulence in the U.S..
7: Mechanical Turbulence
Mechanical turbulence occurs when air flows over irregular surfaces. This includes natural features like mountain ranges or human-made structures.
You might frequently encounter mechanical turbulence when landing at airports surrounded by mountains, such as Denver (DEN), which was ranked highly for average turbulence among North American airports in 2023.
The sources note a positive aspect of mechanical turbulence: you are likely to fly out of it relatively quickly.
8: Convective Turbulence
Also referred to as thermal turbulence, convective turbulence is caused by thunderstorms. Thunderstorms generate significant up and down drafts of air, and turbulence is absolutely expected in conjunction with them.
Often, thunderstorms are identifiable and can be avoided by pilots. Sometimes, a flight might experience rough air below the clouds before encountering a smoother ride after climbing above them.
You might feel bumps during takeoff through cloudy layers, hoping for smoother conditions higher up.
9: Belts Are Your Best Friend
For nervous flyers seeking a sense of control, fastening your seat belt is highlighted as the most crucial action to ensure safety during turbulence.
Keeping your belt fastened while seated helps secure you, even during sudden jolts. If you have a lap belt, it should be fastened low across your lap and tightened snugly.
If the belt doesn’t fit, request an extender from a flight attendant. If you plan to nap, ensure your seatbelt is visible to the crew.
10: Turbulence Forecasting
Airlines and pilots utilize sophisticated weather forecasting tools to predict areas where turbulence is potential. This capability allows them to plan flight paths designed to minimize encounters with bumpy air.
Even before departure, ground staff, including meteorologists and dispatchers, evaluate routes to find the smoothest and safest options.
While complete avoidance isn’t always possible, pilots can frequently adjust altitude or route. Pilots ahead on the same route might also provide warnings to pilots behind them.
11: Your Own Turbulence Forecasting
Passengers also have access to tools that can help manage anxiety by providing information about potential turbulence.
Apps like Flying Calmly use data from sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to inform passengers about predicted turbulence levels, potentially including real-time in-flight sensor data.
The website Turbli is another resource dedicated to providing comprehensive weather information affecting flight comfort, covering forecasts for turbulence, thunderstorms, runways, and more, allowing you to research your flight path.
12: Communication Onboard
Pilots typically make announcements when turbulence is anticipated or when it is encountered. It is important to listen carefully to these communications and adhere to any instructions provided by the flight crew.
These instructions might include returning to your seat, securing your seatbelt, or stowing loose items. These directions are issued for your safety and should be followed promptly.
You can also inform a flight attendant early on if you feel nervous about turbulence, as they appreciate the heads-up.
13: Preparing for Turbulence
A key takeaway for managing turbulence anxiety is understanding that planes do not crash because of turbulence.
While extreme turbulence can be intense and newsworthy, a plane might land afterward for passengers needing medical attention or if rerouting is necessary.
According to NPR, there is no documented plane crash caused solely by turbulence. If fear of flying is a significant issue, resources like podcasts, meditation for flight anxiety, airline online courses, or consulting a professional counselor or therapist can provide support and coping strategies.
14: Know the Jell-O Theory
The Jell-O Theory is a concept offered to help nervous flyers visualize how planes remain airborne. It likens the air surrounding the plane to a cup of Jell-O.
If you push a rock into the center of the Jell-O and tap it, it might jiggle, but it stays suspended, supported by the surrounding gel.
This illustrates the pressure exerted on all sides of the plane, which keeps it in the air. Just as the rock doesn’t fall to the bottom of the Jell-O, the plane may experience rocking but will not fall to the ground.
15: Stay Calm in the Moment
When experiencing turbulence, maintaining calm is important both for yourself and for fellow passengers. Remember that turbulence is a normal part of flying.
Your pilots and flight crew are well-trained and prepared to handle these conditions. If you feel anxious, coping strategies like deep breathing or listening to music can help.
Focusing on a distraction can make the experience less stressful. Observing the flight attendants can also be reassuring; if they appear calm, it generally indicates the turbulence is normal.
16: Turbulent Flight Paths
Flight paths are meticulously planned with the intention of minimizing encounters with turbulence. However, sometimes turbulent conditions are unavoidable due to factors like changing weather.
Occasionally, pilots simply cannot predict whether they will encounter turbulence on a specific route.
Studies have identified particularly turbulent routes globally; for example, the flight between Santiago, Chile, and Santa Cruz, Bolivia, was ranked the most turbulent in the world based on eddy dissipation rate in a 2023 study, while Milan to Geneva was the most turbulent in Europe.
17: Size and Time of Day
The size of the aircraft can influence how turbulence is felt. Smaller aircraft tend to be more affected by turbulence than larger ones due to their lower mass and wingspan.
However, it’s important to note that all modern aircraft are designed and rigorously tested to withstand significant turbulence. Turbulence can occur at any time of day.
It is slightly more common in the afternoon and evening, often due to increased solar heating which can lead to more convective activity and unstable air. Flying in the morning or at night might reduce the likelihood of turbulence.
18: Turbulence and Alcohol
If you are concerned about turbulence or prone to motion sickness, the sources advise against consuming alcoholic beverages before or during your flight.
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can increase your susceptibility to motion sickness. Furthermore, drinking alcohol can potentially worsen anxiety and make turbulence feel more intense.
If you choose to consume alcohol on board, doing so in moderation is recommended. Staying hydrated with water and having light snacks is suggested to help mitigate physical effects. Waiting until you arrive at your destination for a drink is presented as the better option.
19: If You’re Motion Sick-Prone
For individuals who easily experience motion sickness, several tips are offered. Feeling hot can exacerbate motion sickness.
Wearing layered clothing allows you to adjust your temperature by removing items. If you start feeling unwell, opening the overhead vent can help cool you down.
Choosing a window seat is recommended as it allows you to see the horizon, providing an external reference for your brain.
Sitting over the wings may also result in feeling less movement compared to the front or back of the plane.
20: Before the Flight
Preparation before your flight can help reduce the impact of turbulence and motion sickness. Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand is advised.
As mentioned, avoiding alcohol before or during the flight can help prevent symptoms from intensifying.
Eating a lighter meal and skipping heavy or greasy foods is recommended to feel healthier before boarding.
Limiting screen time during the flight and instead using music, audiobooks, or printed materials is also suggested.
Over-the-counter medications, pressure point bands, ginger products, and other aids for motion sickness are available, but consulting a doctor is recommended for personalized advice.
21: Motion Sickness Remedies
If you find yourself experiencing motion sickness during turbulence, several immediate actions can help.
Keeping items like a bottle of water, crackers, and mint gum or ginger candy accessible in your carry-on is useful. Ensure you have an airsickness bag in your seat pocket and ask for a replacement if needed.
Dealing with motion sickness is acknowledged as unpleasant. If you are feeling particularly unwell, letting the flight crew know is important, as they can assist with resources like water, carbonated drinks, or cool compresses.
The good news is that motion sickness usually subsides quickly once the turbulence ends or you are back on the ground.
22: Climate Change Is Linked
The sources mention that climate change is linked to turbulence, specifically noting that increasing global temperatures may lead to turbulence becoming more common.
A study from the University of Reading in England projected a potential tripling of clear-air turbulence in the Northern Hemisphere over the next 30 to 60 years, depending on greenhouse gas emissions.
As the planet warms and releases more carbon dioxide, the jet stream is expected to experience increased wind shear – unpredictable changes in wind speed and direction.
However, importantly, the source clarifies that more turbulence does not mean flying will be less safe.
23: Flying Is Still Safer
It is often stated that flying is safer than driving, and the sources affirm that this holds true. Remembering this fact can be helpful during moments of anxiety or turbulence.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the aviation industry saw nearly a 10% reduction in accidents over just two years leading up to 2022.
Additionally, fatalities from aircraft accidents decreased by more than 65% during the same period. Based on these statistics, the sources conclude that flying remains the safest form of transportation.
Alicia Richards