If the thought of turbulence makes you uneasy, you’re not alone. Many travelers worry about bumpy flights. But understanding what causes airplane turbulence and how to reduce your chances of encountering it can make all the difference.
Keep reading to learn more about whether there’s more turbulence on takeoff or landing and everything you need to know to be prepared.
Is There More Turbulence on Takeoff or Landing?
It’s important to know that turbulence can happen at any time during the flight process, but some stages are more prone to turbulence than others. Still, you generally have similar chances of experiencing turbulence during both takeoff and landing.
When landing, you may experience some turbulence as the gap between the airplane and the ground gradually becomes smaller. This shorter distance makes the airplane more vulnerable to wind shear and gusts. During takeoff, you may also experience turbulence, especially when the aircraft flies through different air masses or encounters jet streams.
While turbulence is possible on takeoff and landing alike, there’s no need for you to worry. Although turbulence can be unsettling, it’s important to know that it’s a normal part of air travel, and modern aircraft are designed to handle it. Pilots and crews are also well-prepared to manage turbulence, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout your flight.
What Causes Turbulence?
Airplane turbulence is often caused by different environmental and weather factors. Understanding what causes turbulence can help ease any concerns you have and prepare you for the potential bumps in the air. Here’s a breakdown of the primary causes of turbulence:
- Weather Fronts– Warm and cold fronts, storms, and humidity changes can create shifts in the air pressure, leading to turbulence. As warm and cold air masses collide, air can move unpredictably and push the aircraft.
- Jet Streams– Jet streams are narrow circles of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere. The difference in speed between the surrounding air and jet streams creates turbulence, especially when planes pass through them.
- Mountain Air– Mountains can affect the air around them, causing turbulence like mountain waves. The air flowing over the hills can also become disturbed, creating moderate to severe turbulence in certain areas.
Types of Turbulence
Turbulence can vary in cause and intensity, depending on the specific conditions the aircraft encounters. Here are the main types of turbulence you may experience during your flight based on severity:
- Light Turbulence– This is the most gentle form of turbulence. You and other passengers might feel a slight rocking motion, but it doesn’t typically affect your comfort on the flight. It’s mostly experienced in cloudy skies or light winds.
- Moderate Turbulence– Moderate turbulence is stronger than light turbulence but still manageable. It may cause noticeable jolting, and you might feel more disruption in your seats. Factors like weather fronts, mountain ranges, or jet streams typically cause this type of turbulence. It usually lasts a few minutes and is not dangerous.
- Severe Turbulence– This is a more intense type of turbulence and can cause temporary loss of altitude. Although you and other passengers may experience significant discomfort, the aircraft will remain under control. Severe turbulence is rare and is typically caused by extreme weather, such as storms or powerful jet streams.
- Extreme Turbulence– Although it’s rare, extreme turbulence is the most intense and can lead to serious shaking or loss of altitude. It’s caused by the most harsh atmospheric conditions like intense thunderstorms or severe jet stream activity. Although airplanes are built to withstand this level of turbulence, experiencing it can be uncomfortable and you’ll need to put your seat belt on for as long as the turbulence lasts.
In addition to those varying severities of turbulence, there are also varying types based on the conditions in which they arise.
Clear air turbulence happens without any visible signs like storms or clouds and is typically caused by a sudden change in wind direction, wind speed, temperature shifts, or encounters with jet streams. On the other hand, turbulence that occurs when an aircraft creates as it moves through the air, especially during takeoff or landing, is known as wake turbulence. Mechanical turbulence meanwhile, is caused by airflow around things like mountain ranges and large buildings.
How to Avoid Turbulence
While it’s impossible to guarantee a completely smooth flight, there are several strategies you can use to minimize the likelihood of encountering turbulence during your journey. Here are some tips to help you avoid those bumpy rides:
1. Choose the Right Time to Fly
Timing plays a significant role in the likelihood of encountering turbulence. Generally, flying early in the morning or at night results in smooth air and smoother flights. Gusty winds and storms are typically calmer during these hours, reducing the chances of turbulence. To completely minimize your chance of turbulence, you should also avoid flying during peak daytime hours because that’s when wake turbulence caused by air traffic is most common.
2. Opt for Larger Aircrafts
Larger planes handle turbulence much better than smaller ones. The mass and size of larger aircraft make them less susceptible to sudden wind changes. If minimizing your chances of turbulence is important to you, look for larger aircraft when booking your flight, especially those used for long-haul international flights. These tend to provide a more stable flight experience.
3. Pick Seats Beside the Wings or at the Front of the Plane
Your seat location can affect how much turbulence you feel. Seats near the wings or towards the front of the aircraft tend to experience less movement. These areas are closer to the plane’s center of gravity, which helps to reduce the jarring sensations of turbulence. If you want to minimize the discomfort of turbulence, try choosing one of these seats.
4. Stay Updated with Weather Conditions
Airlines constantly monitor weather patterns and may change flight paths to avoid turbulence. You can use a flight tracker app to check for any updates regarding expected turbulence along the route. Pilots can often provide warnings up to 20 minutes in advance, allowing you to prepare and stay seated with your seatbelt fastened.
5. Book Flights with Nonstop Routes
Choosing nonstop flights can often help you avoid turbulence caused by taking off and landing. Connecting flights or layovers tend to involve more takeoff and landing sequences, which increases your chances of encountering turbulence. Opt for nonstop flights when possible if you want to minimize your chances of experiencing turbulence.
How to Stay Calm During Turbulence
Turbulence can be unpredictable and uncomfortable for many passengers, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of air travel. Here are some strategies to help you stay calm during bumpy flights:
1. Remind Yourself That It’s Normal
The first step in staying calm is to remind yourself that turbulence is a harmless and a regular part of flying. Modern airplanes are built to withstand rough air, and pilots are trained to handle turbulence. It might feel unsettling, but it’s rarely dangerous. Keeping this in mind can help ease your anxiety.
2. Focus on Your Breathing
It’s easy to become anxious when turbulence hits. One way to stay calm is to focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and then exhale slowly for a count of four. Deep breathing can reduce stress and help you feel more in control.
3. Distract Yourself
Distraction is a great tool to take your mind off the turbulence. You can bring a book, watch a movie, listen to calming music, or even chat with a fellow passenger. Engaging your mind with something enjoyable can shift your focus away from the bumps and jolts of the flight.
4. Trust the Crew
Remember that the flight crew are trained professionals who deal with turbulence regularly. As the crew remains calm, it serves as a sign that everything is under control. Trust their skills and keep in mind that they will guide you safely through the flight.
5. Keep Your Seatbelt On
Although you might feel the urge to unbuckle your seatbelt during turbulence, keeping it fastened is the best way to stay safe and secure. Knowing that you’re properly strapped in will give you peace of mind and prevent any injuries during unexpected jolts.
Start Your Journey With Confidence at Valley International Airport
Turbulence is normal in air travel, but that doesn’t mean you have to dread it. By understanding what causes turbulence, choosing the best times to fly, and selecting the right seat, you can minimize the impact of turbulence and enjoy a more comfortable journey. Staying calm and prepared can make all the difference, even when turbulence happens.
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Valley International Airport is here to make your trip as smooth as possible. Fly nonstop from Harlingen to top destinations and experience hassle-free travel today!