Buckle up tight because we’re in for some turbulent flights ahead. Recent research from the University of Reading shows that rising temperatures and changes to the jet stream have led to a significant increase in turbulence in the sky. Severe turbulence has risen by 55% between 1979 and 2020, and experts predict that it will become even more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting in the future. However, pilots and cabin crew assure us that we’re safer than we may think, no matter how bumpy life gets at 35,000 feet.
Captain Steve Allright, from British Airways, reassures passengers by explaining that modern aircraft are incredibly strong, and pilots are trained to handle turbulence. He compares it to a car driving over bumps in the road – uncomfortable, but entirely safe. Jennie Jordan, a cabin crew member from Virgin Atlantic, adds that while passengers may be terrified by turbulence, she’s never seen anyone injured by it in her nearly two decades of flying. Serious incidents are incredibly rare. The key is to buckle up and stay seated when the “fasten seat belt” signs go on mid-flight.
Pilots explain that there are two main types of turbulence. The first occurs near the ground and during storms in low-level clouds, usually in the first and last 30 minutes of a flight. The second type, known as “clear air” turbulence, happens above the clouds when high-level winds unexpectedly change. This form of turbulence can occur at any time, but it is most common over mountain ranges and oceans.
Some routes are known for having rougher skies. The skies over the Atlantic, possibly due to climate change affecting the jet stream, have become wilder. Consequently, popular holiday routes to America, Canada, and the Caribbean may become bumpier. Flights over the Alps, particularly to Switzerland and Austria, are also known for turbulence. Long-haul routes like London to Johannesburg and Durban can be bumpy, as can flights over Japan. On the other hand, flights to Australia are typically turbulence-free until the last leg to Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne.
Travelers seeking a smoother flight experience should opt for short-haul flights to Europe. These flights rarely encounter more than a short stretch of light turbulence. Meteorologists provide pilots with advance weather forecasts, allowing them to reroute and avoid the worst conditions. Additionally, passengers can access websites like turbli.com to get turbulence predictions for their upcoming flight.
Certain airports present challenges for pilots. Landing near the equator can be tricky due to rapidly changing wind speeds and sudden storms. Holiday airports like Miami, Orlando, and Cancun can be bumpy, as well as major Asian destinations like Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Madeira airport is known for its strong winds, which often lead to plane diversions. Gibraltar airport can be nerve-wracking due to its narrow runway with the sea at each end. The final approach to Athens airport is notorious for bumpy skies.
While some frequent fliers claim that seats near the center of the plane offer the smoothest ride and those at the back are bumpiest, experts insist that the difference is minimal, especially on larger aircraft like the Boeing Dreamliner or the Airbus A380. Some suggest that window seats may be safer on bumpy flights because items in overhead lockers can shift during turbulence and cause injury.
Traveling through thunderstorms can be unnerving, but planes are designed to withstand them. Should a plane be struck by lightning, the electricity passes through the exterior without affecting the interior. Most planes are struck by lightning at least once a year without experiencing any negative effects.
While turbulence can occur at any time, meteorologists suggest that night-time and early morning flights tend to be smoother. Changes in air temperature are less extreme after the sun has set, and thunderstorms are more likely to occur later in the day rather than at the start.
Pilots do their best to avoid turbulence by carefully monitoring weather forecasts before departure and receiving mid-flight updates. They choose routes and altitudes accordingly to navigate around stormy areas. Turbulence is often limited to long, shallow layers of air, so planes can ascend or descend slightly to find smoother air.
Contrary to popular belief, air pockets do not truly exist. The term was coined to describe the sensation of planes suddenly descending during turbulence. However, pilots explain that there are no actual pockets of air to fall through, and planes rarely lose more than a few meters of altitude during turbulent conditions.
Concerns about lightning strikes can be put to rest, as planes are designed to handle them. If struck, the electricity safely passes through the aircraft’s exterior without impacting the interior. Thunderstorms only cause significant problems when they congregate around airports, leading to limitations on landings and take-offs.
Cabin crew have a specific code of conduct when it comes to turbulence. When the “fasten seat belt” signs illuminate mid-flight, crew members must check that all passengers are securely buckled in. This includes waking sleeping passengers if their belts are not visible and ensuring that babies are safely strapped to their parents. If the seat belt signs remain on for an extended period, crew members can continue serving meals, but they should refrain from pouring hot drinks. However, if an announcement is made for cabin crew to take their seats in the middle of a flight, it indicates a potentially rough patch ahead.
So, while turbulence may be an inevitable part of air travel, passengers can take comfort in the fact that pilots are well-prepared and modern aircraft are built to withstand it. By following the crew’s instructions, staying calm, and buckling up, travelers can navigate through the occasional bumps in the sky with confidence.
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