Whether you fly frequently or sporadically, there's always a chance of encountering turbulent weather zones during a flight. For some passengers, turbulence can be a source of anxiety, while others see it as an inconvenience that comes with flying. As a flight attendant I'm here to explain what turbulence is and I want to share some insider tips to outface a turbulent flight.
What is turbulence?
Just as waves form at sea, air currents develop in the sky. This is completely normal, and airplanes are designed to withstand turbulent weather zones effortlessly. The wings of an aircraft are flexible; the wingtip can move up and down several meters to smoothly ride the wind.
Of course, pilots know turbulence isn't pleasant for their passengers, so that’s why pilots do their best to avoid areas with turbulent weather zones. Turbulence is caused by irregularities in the atmosphere, such as winds from different directions colliding and varying air layers with different temperatures.
Warm air rises, and cold air descends; these air currents also cause turbulence. As I always say: the plane simply follows the wind. When an aircraft flies through such a turbulent weather zone, passengers experience fluctuations and movements in the cabin.
As I mentioned earlier, light turbulence is completely safe, but it can cause discomfort for passengers and crew members in the aircraft cabin.
Tips during turbulence:
Because of the fact that turbulence is sometimes unavoidable during your flight, I want to share some tips to help you enjoy your flight in turbulent weather zones:
- Stay calm: Remind yourself that turbulence is completely normal, and the aircraft is designed to withstand these conditions. Stay calm and try to relax. Compared to a car, the plane is the safest mode of transportation on Earth.
- Follow the crew's instructions: When we traverse a turbulent weather zone, we always ask you to fasten your seatbelt. This protects you from unexpected movements of the aircraft. So, safety first. My tip: always wear your seatbelt when you're in your seat. If you happen to fall asleep during your flight, I won't need to wake you up to ask you to fasten your seatbelt if it's already fastened.
- Choose your seat carefully: From my own experiences as a flight attendant, there is slightly more movement at the back of the aircraft than at the front. If you want a bit less turbulence, it's best to book your seat at the front of the aircraft or at the level of the wings. There, you'll experience less movement during turbulence.
- Seek distraction: Listen to music, read a book, or watch a movie to distract your mind from the turbulence. What I do as a passenger during a trip is clean up and categorize my photo gallery. A task that doesn't require any internet connection. 😉
- Talk to the crew: Do you think these tips aren’t enough or are you still afraid of turbulences? Then talk to the crew about your fear of flying. They are a listening ear and are open to helping you. In the past, during a turbulent weather zone, I helped a passenger divert her thoughts by discussing the range of pargumes onboard. Before we knew it, the turbulence was over.
- Know what you eat: By preferring light meals over heavy ones, you reduce the chance of uncomfortable situations. Drink plenty of water. And perhaps most importantly, keep an eye on your food and drinks while it's on your tray table. A hot drink falling on your lap is not advisable.
Turbulence can be a challenge for some individuals during a flight, but with these tips, you can make it through this experience more easily. Remember that turbulence is a natural phenomenon and that airplanes are designed to deal with it.
Stay calm, keep your seatbelt fastened, and before you know it, turbulence is over, and you'll continue dreaming about your holiday.
Enjoy your flight!
By: Rico Valkenborgh | May 20, 2024
The safest seat on the plane: 13A or 18C?
In the front, back, or middle of the cabin? An aisle seat, window seat, or middle seat? The safest seat on the plane: myth or reality? Let me explain.
A jetliner vanished from Earth: 10 years later, 3 intriguing theories about flight MH370
How can a massive Boeing 777 vanish from radar? And why has the plane never been found? Over 10 years ago, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 suddenly disappeared from radar. Countless theories circulate about what happened to the plane, none completely ruled out, as the puzzle remains unsolved. Read and go through the lens of 3 intriguing theories.
Why 100 ml? How 3 disasters shaped aviation security
Why am I not allowed to carry liquids larger than 100 ml in my carry-on baggage? Why can't my power bank be placed in the checked baggage of the airplane? And why is the cockpit door locked? Discover the role of historical incidents that paved the way for a safer sky.
Safety under pressure: Lessons from the 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX was meant to be the flagship of the modern aviation industry, but it quickly became synonymous with one of the biggest scandals in aviation history. Should this plane have never taken to the skies? This is the story of the Boeing 737 MAX.
Mayday mayday mayday: a perfect emergency landing on water
The Hudson river landing in detail: Imagine you're on board an airplane, ready for a routine flight. You take off, and a few moments later, the pilot makes the announcement: "Brace for impact!" No, this is not fiction but actual reality. Get ready for an extraordinary story of an Airbus A320 making an emergency landing on the Hudson river.
Miscommunication kills 583 lives: The Tenerife Disaster
A 72-year-old woman was relieved to be able to tell the tale. For 583 others, this wasn't the case. How could two Jumbo Jets collide and leave the world in shock? Read on to discover the importance of clear communication in aviation.
Reactie plaatsen
Reacties