Understanding turbulence to cope with it better
First and foremost, it is reassuring to know what turbulence actually is. It refers to rapid changes in the air currents through which the aeroplane is travelling. Put simply, the aircraft leaves ‘stable air’ and encounters pockets of rising or falling air, or unpredictable eddies. You can think of it as driving along a bumpy road: you feel the jolts, but the vehicle remains under control.
Turbulence can occur for various reasons (mountainous terrain, high-altitude jet streams, thunderstorms, etc.), and often without any visible warning signs, particularly in the case of clear-air turbulence.
Pilots are rarely caught off guard by these phenomena. Thanks to weather forecasts, on-board radar and information provided by air traffic control, they anticipate areas of turbulence as far as possible. When turbulence is unavoidable, the crew follow tried-and-tested procedures: they switch on the ‘Fasten seatbelts’ sign and adjust the aircraft’s altitude or speed to minimise discomfort.
Bear in mind that aeroplanes are built to withstand turbulence far more severe than that encountered during normal flight. For example, the wings are flexible and capable of bending under gusts without breaking. A modern Airbus or ATR can easily cope with these variations in airflow. For the aircraft, turbulence is a minor inconvenience, not a danger.
The only real threats posed by turbulence are unrestrained passengers and loose objects, which can be thrown about and injure someone. That is why the golden rule is to keep your seatbelt fastened at all times whilst seated, even when the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign is off. It’s a simple habit, but essential for safety.
These bumps are part and parcel of normal air travel. Bear in mind that flying is one of the safest modes of transport in the world (the statistics amply prove this) and that flight crews are highly trained to deal with this sort of situation.
Now that we’ve demystified the phenomenon, let’s look at exactly how to react and stay calm when things get bumpy at altitude.
Staying safe during turbulence on a plane
The first thing to do when turbulence occurs is to prioritise your physical safety.
Stay seated and keep your seatbelt fastened
If you are standing or moving around the cabin when the plane starts to shake, calmly return to your seat as quickly as possible and fasten your seatbelt. Ideally, stay buckled in throughout the flight (unless absolutely necessary) to avoid being caught off guard by an unexpected jolt. Turbulence can occur suddenly, and a passenger not wearing a seatbelt could be thrown towards the ceiling or against a seat, which is the main cause of injuries related to this phenomenon.
Stow and secure your personal belongings
As soon as the seatbelt sign comes on, make sure your hand luggage 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 when turbulence occurs. A laptop, an unsecured cabin bag or any loose object could fall or be thrown about and injure someone.
If you have taken out hot drinks or a meal, be particularly careful: a cup of scalding coffee that spills due to turbulence can cause burns.
Follow the crew’s instructions
This advice may seem obvious, but it is essential. When the pilots anticipate turbulence ahead, they alert the cabin crew, who in turn inform the passengers and ensure that everyone is buckled up. Listen carefully to their instructions: if you are asked to return to your seat or stow your tablet, do so without delay. Similarly, if a member of the cabin crew asks you to secure an object or move to another seat for safety reasons, cooperate immediately.
Bear in mind that the crew are there for your safety above all else. Chalair’s cabin crew, as elsewhere, are trained to deal with all situations, including turbulence. Their experience enables them to keep their cool and guide you on the correct actions to take.
Avoid moving about unnecessarily during the flight
During a bout of turbulence, it is best to avoid moving about the cabin. If possible, do not get up to go to the toilet until the aircraft has regained a stable flight path. If it’s urgent or if you’re caught off guard whilst standing, move carefully, holding onto the seat backs or handrails to keep your balance. Sudden movements of the aircraft can throw even the most agile passengers off balance, so move slowly, step by step, until you reach your seat.
Tips for travelling more comfortably despite turbulence
If you’re worried about turbulence, you can 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 seats on the plane are equal when it comes to turbulence? Seats near the wings have the advantage of being in the most stable part of the aircraft. This is where turbulence is felt the least, as the aeroplane tilts less around its centre of gravity. Conversely, at the back of the cabin, the movements can seem more pronounced. If you find turbulence unsettling, opt for a seat as close to the wings as possible, or even towards the front of the aircraft. This will reduce the sensation of being ‘bounced about’ during turbulence and may put your mind at ease a little.
Furthermore, choose the seat where you feel most comfortable psychologically: some anxious travellers prefer a window seat so they can see the horizon, whilst others feel better on the aisle side so they don’t feel trapped.
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes will help you relax during the flight. In the event of turbulence, you’ll be glad you’re not restricted by jeans that are too tight or a belt that’s digging into your stomach.
Similarly, keep a light jumper to hand: stress can cause cold sweats, and the aeroplane’s air conditioning might suddenly make you feel chilly…
Travel light when it comes to food
It’s generally not advisable to have a heavy meal or drink too much alcohol just before or during the flight, especially if you’re worried about turbulence. A large or overly fatty meal could make you feel more nauseous in the event of severe shaking. Opt for a light meal before boarding.
Similarly, limit stimulants or dehydrating drinks: alcohol and coffee, for example, can heighten stress or make your body less tolerant of turbulence. Instead, stay hydrated by drinking water regularly during the flight. Staying well-hydrated helps prevent headaches and maintains better physical balance when faced with stress.
Stay calm and manage your stress in-flight
It is possible to stay calm high in the sky, even if you’re naturally anxious. However dramatic the turbulence may seem, always bear in mind that it does not threaten the safety of the aircraft.
Breathe and relax gradually
When the plane starts to shake, it’s normal to feel your heart racing or your hands getting clammy. To regain control, focus on your breathing. Breathe in slowly through your nose, filling your belly with air, then breathe out gently through your mouth. Repeat this cycle several times. Slow, deep breathing sends a signal of calm to your body.
You can also practise progressive muscle relaxation: relax your shoulders and jaw, and unclench your fists… By physically releasing tension, you help your mind to relax.
Talk to yourself reassuringly in your head. For example, remind yourself that ‘everything’s fine, it’s just a few bumps in the road, it’ll pass’. These little relaxation techniques may seem trivial, but they really do make a difference when it comes to staying in control.
Put things into perspective
Remember that turbulence, however intense, doesn’t cause planes to crash. Pilots regard it as a normal part of flying, just as waves are for a sailor. Bear in mind that if the situation were genuinely dangerous, the crew would be taking much more obvious emergency measures. But what usually happens when the plane hits turbulence? The pilots simply slow down a little, and the cabin crew pause service until it passes. Nothing more. The aeroplane isn’t in trouble. It’s just flying through a bit of choppy air, and it always stops eventually.
Focus on the temporary nature of the event: most bouts of turbulence last only a few seconds to a few minutes.
Talk to the crew or your neighbours
If, despite everything, the stress gets too much, don’t keep your anxiety to yourself. Don’t hesitate to let the cabin crew know you’re feeling unwell. Flight attendants are trained to reassure you and help you manage your fear. For example, they can explain what’s happening, tell you where the turbulence is and how long it might last, which often puts more anxious passengers at ease. Sometimes, exchanging a few words with a member of the crew will be enough to calm you down: their calmness and smile are infectious. Similarly, if you’re sitting next to a kind-hearted person (a friend, partner or even a sympathetic stranger), having a little chat can take your mind off things.
Voicing your concerns aloud helps to put them into perspective. You’ll often find that the person next to you will respond with an anecdote or a comment such as, ‘I fly often; it always gets a bit bumpy here, but it’ll be fine’.
Consider seeking medical help if necessary
In cases of severe fear of flying, some people turn to medical solutions (anxiolytic medication prescribed by a doctor) to help them fly. This should only be a last resort, but it’s worth knowing that it’s an option. If your panic attacks during flights are severe despite trying all the techniques mentioned above, speak to your doctor before your trip. They may be able to prescribe a mild sedative to help you on the day of your flight. The key is to plan ahead: never take any medication for the first time just before a flight without medical advice, and do not combine alcohol with sedatives. In any case, try natural relaxation methods first. The satisfaction of overcoming your fear without relying on chemical aids is priceless.
Remember that you’re not alone. Many travellers feel apprehensive when flying, particularly during turbulence. There are also ‘fear of flying’ courses run by specialist pilots or flight attendants, which can help you gradually overcome this anxiety.
By following these tips, you’ll now know what to do in the event of turbulence during a flight and how to react calmly. Bear in mind that turbulence is a natural part of air travel; it is common and poses no serious risk to the aircraft. All you need to do is follow the correct safety procedures (sit down, fasten your seatbelt and wait calmly) to ensure your own safety. As for the rest, it’s mainly a question of stress management and mindset: by understanding what’s happening and applying our tips (breathing, communication, etc.), you’ll be able to put these temporary jolts into perspective.
Follow the instructions, trust the pilots and try to stay calm. You’ll see, turbulence often ends just as quickly as it began. A few moments or minutes later, the flight resumes its peaceful course as if nothing had happened.
Don’t let a fear of turbulence spoil your enjoyment of travelling. Hundreds of flights that experience turbulence arrive safely at their destination every day without incident. You too can fly with confidence: fasten your seatbelt, take a deep breath, and let yourself be whisked away to your next destination with a smile. Have a pleasant flight, and enjoy the journey even if it gets a bit bumpy!