Understanding turbulence to better cope with it
First of all, it's reassuring to know what turbulence is. Turbulence is the rapid variation in airflow through an aircraft. Simply put, the aircraft leaves "stable air" and encounters pockets of rising or falling air, or unpredictable eddies. You can think of it as driving down a bumpy road - the jolts are felt, but the vehicle remains under control.
Turbulence can occur for a variety of reasons (mountainous terrain, high-altitude jet streams, thunderstorms, etc.), and often without any visible warning sign, particularly in the case of clear-sky turbulence.
Pilots are rarely surprised by these phenomena. Thanks to weather forecasts, on-board radars and information from air traffic control, they anticipate turbulent areas as far as possible. When shocks are unavoidable, the crew apply tried-and-tested procedures: they activate the "fasten seatbelt " signal and adapt the aircraft's altitude or speed to minimize discomfort.
Bear in mind that aircraft are built to withstand turbulence far greater than that encountered in normal flight. For example, the wings are flexible and able to bend under gusts of wind without breaking. A modern Airbus or ATR can easily withstand these airflow variations. For the aircraft, turbulence is a slight discomfort, not a danger.
The only real threats from turbulence are unbelted passengers and unstowed objects, which can be thrown around and injure someone. That's why the golden rule is to keep your seatbelt fastened at all times when seated, even if the signal is switched off. A simple reflex, but essential for safety.
These shocks are a normal part of air travel. Bear in mind that air travel is one of the safest modes of transport in the world (statistics amply prove this) and that crews are highly trained to deal with this kind of situation.
Now that the phenomenon has been demystified, let's take a look at how to act and stay calm when things are moving at altitude.
Stay safe during air turbulence
The first thing to do when turbulence strikes is to prioritize your physical safety.
Remain seated and keep your seat belt fastened
If you're standing or moving around in the cabin when the plane starts to shake, calmly return to your seat as quickly as possible and strap yourself in. Ideally, you should remain strapped in for the entire flight (unless absolutely necessary) to avoid being surprised by an unexpected jolt. Turbulence can come on suddenly, and an unbelted passenger could be thrown towards the ceiling or against a seat, which is the main cause of turbulence-related injuries.
Store and secure your personal belongings
As soon as the seatbelt warning lights up, make sure your cabin baggage is properly stowed under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Avoid keeping heavy objects on your lap or on the tray table in front of you during shaking. A laptop computer, a poorly stowed carry-on suitcase or any other unsecured object could fall or be thrown around and injure someone.
If you've brought out hot drinks or a meal, be especially careful: a hot cup of coffee that spills because of a tremor can cause burns.
Follow the crew's instructions
This advice may seem obvious, but it's essential. When pilots foresee turbulence ahead, they warn the flight attendants, who in turn inform the passengers and make sure everyone is buckled in. Listen carefully to their instructions: if you are asked to return to your seat or stow your tray table, do so without delay. Similarly, if a crew member asks you to retrieve an object or move to another seat for safety reasons, cooperate immediately.
Keep in mind that the crew is there for your safety first and foremost. Chalair flight crews, as elsewhere, are trained to deal with all situations, including turbulence. Their experience enables them to keep their cool and guide you towards the right behavior.
Avoid unnecessary movement during the flight
During turbulence, it's best to postpone your comings and goings in the cabin. If possible, don't get up to go to the toilet until the plane has returned to stable flight. If it's urgent, or if you're surprised when you're not seated, move carefully, holding onto the seatbacks or handholds for balance. The plane's sudden movements can throw even the most agile off balance, so move forward slowly, step by step, until you're back in your seat.
Tips for travelling more comfortably despite shocks
If you're worried about turbulence, it's possible to plan ahead and take a few steps to improve your comfort and reduce stress.
Choose your seat in advance
Did you know that not all airplane seats are created equal in the face of turbulence? Seats at wing level have the advantage of being in the most stable area of the aircraft. This is where you feel the least turbulence, as the aircraft pivots less at its center of gravity. Conversely, at the rear of the cabin, movements can seem amplified. If you're worried about shaking, choose a seat as close as possible to the wings, or even towards the front of the aircraft. This will reduce the sensation of "banging" during airborne heckling, and may reassure you a little.
Some anxious travelers prefer the window so they can see the horizon, while others prefer the aisle so they don't feel trapped .
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose, comfortable clothing will help you relax during the flight. In the event of turbulence, you'll be glad not to be bothered by tight jeans or a belt that compresses your belly.
Likewise, keep a little wool close at hand: stress can make you break out in a cold sweat, and the air conditioning on the plane can suddenly cool you down...
Travel light on the stomach
It's generally not advisable to eat a heavy meal or drink too much water just before and during the flight, especially if you're worried about turbulence. A hearty or fatty meal could make you feel even more nauseous in the event of strong turbulence. Prefer a light meal before boarding.
Likewise, limit the use of stimulating or dehydrating beverages: alcohol and coffee, for example, can increase stress or make your body less tolerant of restlessness. Instead, hydrate regularly with water during the flight. Having enough to drink helps avoid headaches and maintains a better physical balance in the face of stress.
Stay calm and manage your in-flight stress
It's possible to remain zen in mid-air, even if you're anxious by nature. Turbulence may be impressive, but always remember that it does not threaten the safety of the aircraft.
Breathe and relax gradually
When the plane starts shaking, it's normal to feel your heart speed up or your hands become clammy. To regain control, concentrate on your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose, inflating your belly, then exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat this cycle several times. Slow, deep breathing sends a signal to your body to calm down.
You can also practice progressive muscle relaxation: relax your shoulders, your jaws, your fists... By physically releasing your tensions, you help your mind to relax.
Speak reassuringly to yourself. For example, remind yourself that "everything's fine, it's just air bubbles, it'll pass". These little relaxation techniques may seem harmless, but they really do make the difference in staying in control.
Put things in perspective
Remember that turbulence, however impressive, does not bring down aircraft. Pilots regard it as a normal part of flying, in the same way as waves are for a sailor. If the situation were really dangerous, the crew would be taking much more visible emergency measures. But most of the time, what happens in turbulence? Pilots simply slow down a little, and stewardesses suspend service until the situation passes. Nothing more. The plane is not in trouble. It's just flying through a bit of turbulent air, and it always comes to a stop in the end.
Focus on the temporary nature of the event: most turbulence lasts only a few seconds to a few minutes.
Talk to the crew or your neighbors
If, despite everything, you feel too stressed, don't remain alone with your anxiety. Don't hesitate to share your concerns with the flight crew. Flight attendants are trained to reassure you and help you manage your fear. They can, for example, explain what's going on, tell you where the turbulence is and how long it could last, which often gives more anxious passengers confidence. Sometimes a few words with a crew member is enough to calm you down: their calm and their smile are infectious. Similarly, if you're traveling with a kind-hearted person (friend, spouse or even a compassionate stranger), a little chat can take your mind off the situation.
Expressing your worries out loud puts them into perspective. You'll often find that your neighbor will respond with an anecdote or a phrase like "I fly a lot, it's always a bit bumpy here, but I'll be fine".
Consider medical assistance if necessary
In cases of severe aviophobia, some people resort to medical solutions (anxiolytic drugs prescribed by a doctor) to succeed in taking the plane. This is a last resort, but it does exist. If your in-flight panic reactions are intense despite all the above techniques, talk to your doctor before you travel. He or she may be able to prescribe a mild sedative to help you on D-day. The important thing is to think ahead: never take medication for the first time just before flying without medical advice, and never combine alcohol and sedatives. In all cases, try natural relaxation methods first. The satisfaction of overcoming fear without a chemical crutch is priceless.
Remember, you're not alone. Many travelers are apprehensive about flying, especially during turbulence. In fact, there are a number of "fear of flying" courses run by pilots and flight attendants who can help you gradually overcome this anxiety.
By following these tips, you'll know what to do in the event of in-flight turbulence, and how to react calmly. Keep in mind that turbulence is a natural phenomenon of air travel, frequent and not serious for the aircraft. All you need to do is adopt the right safety reflexes (sit down, strap yourself in and wait calmly) to eliminate any danger to yourself. As for the rest, it's all a question of stress management and mindset: by understanding what's going on and applying our tips (breathing, communication...), you'll be able to play down these temporary jolts.
Follow the instructions, trust the pilots and try to stay zen. You'll see, turbulence often ends as quickly as it started. A few moments or minutes later, the flight resumes its peaceful course as if nothing had happened.
Don't let the fear of turbulence spoil your enjoyment of travel. Hundreds of shaken flights arrive safely at their destination every day. You too can fly with confidence: fasten your seatbelt, take a deep breath, and let yourself be taken to your next destination with a smile. Have a safe flight, and enjoy the journey, even if it's a bit bumpy!