Turbulence Frequently Asked Questions

• What is turbulence on an airplane?
  Turbulence is irregular air movement caused by changes in wind speed or direction, which can make an aircraft feel like it’s shaking or bumping.
• What causes turbulence?
  Turbulence can be caused by weather systems, jet streams, mountains, thunderstorms, or temperature differences in the atmosphere.
• Is turbulence dangerous?
  In most cases, turbulence is not dangerous. Aircraft are designed to handle far more stress than typical turbulence conditions.
• What is clear air turbulence?
  Clear air turbulence occurs in cloudless skies, often near jet streams, making it harder for pilots and radar to detect in advance.
• Can turbulence cause a plane to crash?
  Modern aircraft are built to withstand extreme turbulence. Crashes caused solely by turbulence are extremely rare.
• Why does turbulence feel worse sometimes?
  Factors like seat location (rear of the plane), flight altitude, and storm activity can make turbulence feel more intense.
• Do pilots know when turbulence is coming?
  Pilots use weather radar, reports from other aircraft, and forecasting tools to anticipate and avoid turbulence when possible.
• What should passengers do during turbulence?
  Passengers should remain seated with their seatbelt fastened and follow crew instructions to stay safe.
• Is turbulence worse at certain times of year?
  Yes, turbulence can be more common during certain seasons, especially in winter (jet stream activity) and summer (thunderstorms).
• Can turbulence be avoided completely?
  Not entirely, but pilots often adjust altitude or route to minimize exposure when possible.