In-flight turbulence: 6 tips to stay calm

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Hemeryck T. (2023, 9 augustus). Vraag aan de piloot: wat is turbulentie, en moet ik er bang voor zijn? Geraadpleegd op 18 maart 2024, van https://magazine.vab.be/op-reis/vraag-aan-de-piloot-turbulentie/

• Isabelle. (z.d.). 8 tips om van je vliegangst af te komen. Geraadpleegd op 18 maart 2024, van https://www.ef.be/nl/blog/language/8-tips-om-van-je-vliegangst-af-te-komen/
  
  
• Van Wijnen M. (2019, 7 november). Waarom je écht niet bang hoeft te zijn voor turbulentie. Geraadpleegd op 18 maart 2024, van https://www.linda.nl/lifestyle/reizen/bang-voor-turbulentie-tips/