What is turbulence?
Turbulence is a phenomenon involving sudden and unpredictable changes in the movement of the air around an aircraft. It can cause the jolts and vibrations felt by passengers, resulting from changes in the plane's speed and direction of flight.
Although the turbulence we feel is not among the most pleasant experiences, it is a natural part of flying and does not pose any threat to the safety of the aircraft. Modern aircraft are designed to be fully resistant to it, while the crew on board is trained to handle the situation should this phenomenon occur.
Where does turbulence come from?
There is no single answer to the question of how turbulence forms on a plane. That is why it is divided into three types, according to the causes that bring it about. The first of these is atmospheric turbulence, resulting from storms, jet streams and weather fronts, where air masses of different temperatures and humidity levels meet.
In addition to these, there are also:
- thermal turbulence, which occurs when warm air masses rise and cold ones descend, leading to their irregular movements,
- terrain-related turbulence, which results from changes in airflow caused by mountains or valleys that force the air to rise, fall or disperse.
What does turbulence on a plane feel like?
Depending on what causes the turbulence on a plane and how strong it is, passengers may experience various sensations associated with it. Most often it takes the form of sudden jolts that resemble those felt when driving a car along a bumpy road. On top of that, as a result of changes in airflow, the plane may begin to rock up and down. Sometimes passengers may also feel moments when the aircraft suddenly drops or climbs, which is like flying through an invisible “hole” in the air.
During turbulence, pilots regularly keep travellers informed about the situation. They issue announcements explaining the causes and the expected duration of the phenomenon. While it lasts, the crew may also recommend fastening seatbelts, which ensure safety and minimise the risk of any injuries in the event of strong jolts.
Where does the strongest turbulence occur? The riskiest routes
If we take into account what turbulence on a plane is and what causes it, it is easy to identify the routes where the risk of it occurring is highest. These include first and foremost flights over oceans, and especially over the Atlantic, where convection currents change frequently.
In addition to these, turbulence is also a common phenomenon on routes running near mountainous regions, which force changes in airflow. It is felt most strongly in particular near the Himalayas, the Andes and the Alps.
It is worth remembering, however, that in reality a brief loss of control of the aircraft can occur on any flight, regardless of its route. There is no reason to be afraid of it, though.
What should you do when turbulence occurs during a flight?
When turbulence occurs during a flight, the most important thing is to stay calm and follow the crew's instructions, as they know perfectly well how to act in such a situation. Even if the jolts you feel are mild, it is essential to fasten your seatbelt to ensure safety, because in such circumstances the plane's movements are unpredictable and may suddenly intensify. It is also a good idea to avoid getting up from your seat and using the toilet until the turbulence subsides.
Those who find this kind of situation particularly stressful should, where possible, choose seats located over the aircraft's wings, the area where turbulence is felt the least. In addition, when it occurs they can use simple relaxation techniques focused on their breathing, which will help reduce tension. Listening to your favourite music or watching a film is also a good solution, as it will distract your thoughts from dwelling on worst-case scenarios.
To feel less stressed before a flight, it is also worth remembering that turbulence is part of it, resulting from natural changes in airflow. Aircraft, in turn, are designed to cope with it. Thanks to modern, advanced technology, they also allow pilots to monitor and predict the occurrence of turbulence, and thus to adjust flight routes and altitudes in order to minimise its impact on passenger comfort.
