What to Do and What Not to Do During Turbulence on an Aircraft

Turbulence is the short-term shaking or movement of an aircraft caused by irregular air currents during a flight. Although turbulence is generally a normal part of flying, it can feel frightening to passengers. However, the risk of injury can be significantly reduced by taking the proper precautions. The most important rules during turbulence are to keep your seat belt fastened, remain seated, and follow the instructions of the cabin crew.

What Is Turbulence?

Turbulence occurs when the air mass surrounding an aircraft moves irregularly. Changes in air currents can cause the aircraft to move briefly upward, downward, or sideways.

Why Does Turbulence Occur on an Aircraft?

Turbulence can occur for various reasons, including weather conditions, storms, air movements caused by mountains, jet streams, and changes in air currents in clear skies.

What Are the Types of Turbulence?

Turbulence is generally classified as light, moderate, or severe. Light turbulence causes minor shaking, while stronger turbulence can increase the likelihood of passengers and unsecured items moving around.

How Does Turbulence Affect an Aircraft?

Modern passenger aircraft are designed to withstand a variety of weather and flight conditions. Although turbulence can cause temporary shaking, it does not by itself mean that the aircraft is going to crash.

What Should You Do During Turbulence?

Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened

One of the most important precautions during turbulence is to keep your seat belt fastened. Even when the seat belt sign is not illuminated, keeping your seat belt fastened while seated can reduce the risk of injury from unexpected jolts.

Stay Seated and Remain Calm

When turbulence begins, you should remain seated whenever possible and try to stay calm. Instead of panicking, taking controlled breaths and following the instructions of the cabin crew can be helpful.

Listen to the Cabin Crew

The cabin crew may ask passengers to remain seated or take certain safety precautions depending on the severity of the turbulence. Following these instructions is important for passenger safety.

Store Carry-On Items Safely

Bags, phones, tablets, and other personal belongings can move around during turbulence. Therefore, they should be placed in the appropriate storage compartments or other secure areas.

What Should You Avoid During Turbulence?

Standing Up Without a Fastened Seat Belt

Standing up while your seat belt is not fastened during turbulence increases the risk of falling or being thrown against something during a sudden jolt.

Trying to Go to the Restroom or Walk in the Aisle

During turbulence, it is safer to remain in your seat rather than walk in the aisle or go to the restroom whenever possible. This is especially important when the cabin crew has instructed passengers to remain seated.

Leaving Items on the Seat or Tray Table

Unsecured items can fall to the floor or strike people nearby during turbulence. Personal belongings should therefore be stored securely.

Ignoring the Cabin Crew's Instructions

Safety instructions from the cabin crew are given to help protect passengers during turbulence. Therefore, these warnings should always be taken seriously.

How Can Passengers Stay Safe During Turbulence?

The main goal for passenger safety is to prevent people from being thrown around during sudden movements. Keeping the seat belt fastened, remaining seated, and securing personal belongings are the most important steps.

Fasten the Seat Belt Securely

The seat belt should be fastened securely around the body. A belt that is left too loose may not provide adequate protection during sudden jolts.

Pay Attention to Your Head and Body Position

While seated, maintain a balanced position and try to stay away from hard surfaces around you. Be mindful of protecting your head from impacts during sudden movements.

Ensure the Safety of Children and Infants

Make sure that children's seat belts are properly fastened and keep them in their seats whenever possible. Passengers traveling with infants should follow the airline's instructions regarding infant safety.

Secure Carry-On Bags and Personal Belongings

Bags and other belongings should be properly stored under the seat or in the overhead compartment. This helps reduce the risk of items moving around the cabin during turbulence.

Does Turbulence Make a Flight Dangerous?

Turbulence usually does not prevent a flight from continuing normally. However, it can pose a risk of injury, particularly to passengers who are not wearing their seat belts.

Differences Between Light, Moderate, and Severe Turbulence

Light turbulence is generally felt as minor shaking. Moderate turbulence can cause more noticeable movements. Severe turbulence can produce stronger and more sudden movements, in which case it is especially important to follow the cabin crew's instructions.

The Effect of Turbulence on Aircraft Safety

Aircraft are designed to withstand a variety of flight conditions. Although the shaking caused by turbulence can be concerning for passengers, experiencing turbulence does not by itself mean that the aircraft has lost control.

Risk of Injury During Turbulence

One of the most significant risks associated with turbulence is that passengers who are not wearing seat belts may be lifted from their seats or struck by surrounding objects. This is why keeping the seat belt fastened is so important.

How Can Fear of Turbulence Be Reduced?

Passengers who are afraid of turbulence can reduce their anxiety by learning about the causes of turbulence and using calming techniques during the flight.

Learn Accurate Information About Turbulence

Understanding what turbulence is and why it occurs can help reduce fear caused by uncertainty.

Use Breathing Exercises to Stay Calm

Slow, controlled breathing can help reduce feelings of panic. Focusing your attention on your breathing can make it easier to remain calm during turbulence.

Prepare in Advance to Reduce Anxiety

Getting enough rest before the flight, arriving at the airport on time, and learning basic information about the flight in advance can help reduce anxiety.

Ask the Cabin Crew for Help

Passengers who experience severe flight anxiety can inform the cabin crew about their situation before or during the flight. When appropriate, the crew may be able to help the passenger feel more comfortable.

What Should Passengers Traveling with Children Keep in Mind During Turbulence?

When traveling with children, the main priority during turbulence is to make sure they remain safely seated.

Check Children's Seat Belts

When turbulence begins, make sure that children's seat belts are properly fastened.

Keep Children in Their Seats

Children should not be allowed to walk in the aisle or stand up during turbulence.

Store Toys and Other Items Safely

Toys, tablets, and other belongings should be placed in a secure location. As much as possible, loose objects that could move around during turbulence should be removed from the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turbulence on an Aircraft

Can turbulence cause an aircraft to crash?

Feeling turbulence does not mean that the aircraft is going to crash. The most important risk for passengers is the possibility of injury when they are not wearing their seat belts.

Should you wear a seat belt during turbulence?

Yes. It is recommended to keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight, especially while seated.

Is it safe to stand up during turbulence?

While turbulence is ongoing, it is best to remain seated whenever possible. Standing or walking around the cabin can increase the risk of falling or being injured by sudden movements.