Turbulence is an unfortunate part of many plane rides. It can have many causes, including weather changes, air pockets, rough air, mountains, high structures, or jet streams. While there’s no way to guarantee you won’t experience turbulence, there are steps you can take to avoid it!
If you have a fear of flying, are a first-time flier, or just downright hate turbulence, keep reading to learn what to do during turbulence and how to keep your cool when your plane ride gets bumpy!
What Time of Day Has the Most Turbulence?
It might be surprising to learn that turbulence is actually worse in the daytime. In the early morning and night time, wind speeds typically reduce, and thunderstorms clear up. Avoid turbulence and catch up on some sleep by choosing flights with an early morning or red-eye departure!
What Season Has the Most Turbulence?
Summer and winter are the worst seasons for turbulence. Winter has strong winds and blizzards, and summer’s hot heat can create unstable air, thunderstorms, and tropical storms. That means flying during the holidays often means more turbulence than other times of the year. So if possible, avoid flying between December and February or June and August for a smoother flight.
Which Seat Is Best to Avoid Turbulence?
The seat you choose can actually reduce the amount of turbulence you feel! Grab a seat near the center of the plane, over the wings, or toward the front of the aircraft. These areas are more stable, and you’ll notice less turbulence than at the back of the plane.
Which Plane Handles Turbulence Best?
The bigger the plane, the better! Any plane can experience turbulence, but larger planes weigh more and don’t feel the impact of wind changes as much as a smaller plane.
Specifically, the Airbus A380 handles turbulence very well! The A380 is a large plane mainly used for international flights.
What Are the Most Turbulent Air Routes?
Routes along jet streams or known for mountains and weather changes can have more turbulence. Trips from New York to London, Seoul to Dallas, or between airports along the equator will have more turbulence than other flights.
When choosing where to go for your vacation, choose routes that fly over large bodies of water or large areas of land for less turbulence. However, journeys over the North Atlantic Ocean can have more bumps because of the high winds caused by the jet stream.
Is it Safe to Fly Through Turbulence?
Flying with turbulence is considered normal and safe. Most of the time, pilots can tell if turbulence is coming and notify passengers to buckle up. Sometimes pilots will even adjust flight patterns to avoid the really rocky winds.
Generally, injuries experienced during turbulence are a result of not wearing a seatbelt or spilling a hot drink, so make sure to keep that belt buckled when you’re seated and be careful with that coffee!
How Can I Stop My Fear of Turbulence?
Even if you take all these precautions, you might still experience turbulence. Having some distractions ready may help if you’re feeling scared.
- Listen to an audiobook
- Use a coloring or activity book
- Take a nap
- Bring a laptop to do work or watch a movie
Learning techniques for how to stay calm during turbulence is key. Ultimately it’s best to focus on your breathing, think or do something else, and remember that turbulence is normal and safe to fly in.
Conquer Your Fears of Turbulence With Valley International Airport!
Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time flier, turbulence can be scary. But you’ve got this by knowing what to do during turbulence! Don’t let a fear of turbulence stop you from seeing this big and beautiful world!
With VIA, you can start with a short, non-stop flight and build the courage to travel overseas. Our pilots and crew members understand that turbulence isn’t fun, but we’re here to help you through it!
