Air is not as still void as we think and turbulence is a result of changes in the air, around the aircraft. The airflow, which is always in motion upwards and downwards, sometimes fluctuates and creates air pockets which result in turbulence. Especially during thunderstorms, these airflows change rapidly and can be seen more compared to the normal weather.

What happens during turbulence?

During turbulence, the aircraft can lose altitude, and sometimes be violently shaken, causing passengers to be thrown out of their seats or hit their heads or other parts of the body. People can even get injured during extreme turbulences. Pilots are often informed about routes that turbulence may be experienced during flights and sometimes pilots make announcements during flights to warn the passengers. When you receive such an announcement, you must fasten your seatbelts and you would better avoid hot beverages during the flight.

What should a person who is afraid of turbulence do?

If you are scared of turbulence, do not choose to be seated on wings. While completing your check-in process, you can voice your concerns and demand to be aisle-seated. Especially if you are traveling over open seas such as the ocean, you are at high risk of getting sudden turbulence. Pilots, stewardesses, and people who frequently fly are used to the turbulences so they often are calmer during turbulences. However, for first-time flyers, turbulences are not pleasant and often passengers get anxious. You should remain calm, so you may think of turbulence as a wave on a sea surface but rather happening in the air.