How safe is a plane in turbulence?
  • 18 Sep, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

How Safe Are Planes During Turbulence?

Air Travel is assumed to be the safest and fastest mode of transport unless turbulence comes into the scenery. The turbulence can be slight and intense based on many factors. However, recently, several incidents have happened where the turbulence also caused the death of passengers. But do you need to worry about it? What is turbulence? Why does turbulence occur? How safe can one be in the turbulence? We will discuss these queries in detail in the article below, so let's begin. 

What is turbulence, and how does it happen?

Turbulence can happen for many reasons and in several forms while on the plane. General turbulence occurs when the plane passes the clouds from or down to the airports. The turbulence can be intense the higher you go up. It usually happens because of the difference in temperature between layers of air that form air currents, especially when a plane goes up or down. High-level air currents can occur when a plane pushes air upwards from storms, jet streams, or thunderstorms. The passengers feel turbulence in the aircraft when it shakes, and sometimes, the high turbulence results in extreme movement. 

Why do planes shake in clouds?

When a plane flies in the air, it operates well when the temperature is average. However, disruption occurs, especially when the plane shakes due to a disturbance in the air currents. The disruptions cause turbulence, which in turn causes the loss of altitude for the time being. 

How safe is a plane in the turbulence? 

Turbulence is quite normal in a plane and occurs even when you take off or land at the airport. Usually, it is safe because aircraft these days are engineered and crafted to withstand turbulence to the maximum extent. Turbulence can be faced for several reasons, from low to intense, but usually, there is no damage or fatalities. Besides, our pilots are well-trained to face and take safety measures during extreme turbulence. In addition, the weather conditions are tracked properly whenever our flights are ready to depart, ensuring it is safe to fly in the air. Read in detail about turbulance on long flights.

How do you stay safe on the plane when turbulence hits? 

Turbulence is a part of air travel and can happen anytime. Your airplanes are designed to face it in case it occurs excessively. However, what you need to do is take care of yourself. While turbulence can be very scary sometimes, here are a few things you should consider: 

  • The most important thing you need to do is always fasten the seatbelts properly and tightly, ensuring you do not fly up or hit something in case of extreme turbulence. 
  • If you are in the lavatory, sit down immediately, hold the grab bar, and follow the crew's instructions. 
  • If you are walking in the aisle, sit down immediately in the empty seat nearest to you rather than walking to your seat.
  • If you are just roaming around one of the inflight bars on any airline, you can see the seatbelt and buckle yourself immediately. You can return to your seat when the crew asks you to do so. 

Conclusion: Turbulence is a routine if you are traveling by air; it happens when your plane shakes due to a change in the air current temperatures. Turbulence can happen when you go down or up from the airport. There is nothing to worry about regarding turbulence, as it is generally safe. However, turbulence can hit extremely hard in rare conditions, and in those cases, all you need to do is take care of yourself. The airplanes are designed to be very strong enough to face extreme turbulence. Besides, the pilots are also well-trained, so you can have a safe journey.