If you’ve ever been on a plane, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced turbulence—that unsettling moment when the aircraft suddenly jerks, bounces, or dips.
It can feel like the plane is at the mercy of invisible forces, leading many passengers to grip their armrests and brace for the worst.
But here’s the truth: turbulence is not as dangerous as it seems. In fact, understanding the science behind it might just help you relax on your next flight.
Turbulence occurs when air currents of different speeds and directions collide, causing unpredictable movements in the atmosphere.
This can be triggered by various factors, including jet streams, atmospheric pressure changes, storms, and even mountain ranges that disrupt airflow.
The result? Bumpy rides that can feel extreme to passengers but are usually just mild disturbances to the plane itself.
Turbulence Feels Worse Than It Actually Is
Despite what your nerves might tell you, turbulence rarely affects the plane’s actual stability.
According to pilot and aviation expert Patrick Smith, even when passengers feel like they’re on a rollercoaster, the cockpit instruments barely register the disturbance.
“Altitude, bank, and pitch will change only slightly during turbulence – in the cockpit, we see just a twitch on the altimeter,” says Smith.
“Conditions might be annoying and uncomfortable, but the plane is not going to crash.”
Modern aircraft are designed to withstand even the most severe turbulence.
Their wings can flex up to 90 degrees, absorbing sudden shifts in airflow like a shock absorber.
Additionally, pilots are trained to handle turbulence by adjusting speed and altitude, making mid-air adjustments so smoothly that passengers rarely notice.
The Real Risks of Turbulence
While turbulence won’t bring a plane down, it can cause injuries—especially to passengers who aren’t wearing their seatbelts.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that fewer than 50 people per year are injured by turbulence in the U.S., and most of them are flight attendants who weren’t seated at the time.
“Injuries caused by turbulence are very rare, and when it does happen, it’s normally because people weren’t wearing their seatbelts or were walking around the cabin,” says atmospheric scientist Todd Lane from the University of Melbourne.
Simply keeping your seatbelt fastened, even when the seatbelt sign is off, dramatically reduces your risk.
The safest seats on the plane? Over the wings—where the aircraft’s center of gravity minimizes the impact of turbulence.
The Truth About Clear Air Turbulence (CAT)
One of the most unpredictable forms of turbulence is clear air turbulence (CAT), which occurs at high altitudes in cloudless skies.
Unlike turbulence associated with storms or mountains, CAT has no visible warning signs, making it difficult for pilots to anticipate.
This type of turbulence is caused by jet streams—powerful, fast-moving air currents that planes often use to boost speed and fuel efficiency.
While CAT can sometimes result in severe jolts, modern aircraft are built to endure these forces without issue.
Will Climate Change Make Turbulence Worse?
Here’s where things get interesting. While turbulence itself isn’t dangerous, climate change may increase its frequency and severity.
A study by the University of Reading suggests that rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels are strengthening jet streams, leading to more frequent and intense clear air turbulence.
In other words, while flying remains one of the safest modes of travel, we may see a future where turbulence is more common on long-haul flights.
How to Stay Safe and Comfortable During Turbulence
While turbulence might be unavoidable, there are things you can do to minimize discomfort:
- Always wear your seatbelt. Even if the seatbelt sign is off, keeping it loosely fastened ensures you won’t be caught off guard.
- Choose a seat over the wings. This is where turbulence feels the weakest.
- Avoid sitting at the back of the plane. The tail experiences the most movement during turbulence.
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or alcohol. Dehydration can make you feel more anxious and unsettled.
- Focus on deep breathing or distraction techniques. Watching a movie, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness can help ease anxiety.
No Need to Fear Turbulence
Turbulence might feel unsettling, but it is not a sign of danger. Planes are built to handle it, pilots are trained for it, and statistics show that injuries are exceedingly rare.
Next time you’re mid-flight and the plane starts to shake, remember: you’re not in danger—it’s just another normal part of air travel.
