While flying, you might feel the plane shake or bump a little sometimes. This is called turbulence, and it happens when the air flowing around the plane changes direction or speed.
Turbulence is common, and it’s usually not dangerous. Still, it helps to know what turbulence is and the different types you might feel. Understanding this can help you feel calmer while flying. Keep reading to learn about the types of turbulence and the best times to fly for a smoother trip.
Key Takeaways
- Turbulence occurs when there are changes in the air flowing around the plane. It’s usually caused by changes in weather or atmospheric pressure.
- Mechanical turbulence is caused by airflow obstructions, thermal turbulence is caused by uneven ground temperatures, and mountain wave turbulence is related to mountain ranges.
- Other types of turbulence include clear air turbulence, wind shear turbulence, and wake turbulence.
- To reduce your chances of traveling during turbulence, try not to travel during certain times in the summer and winter. These periods often bring more unstable air due to storms, cold fronts, and other weather changes.
What Is Turbulence?
Before we get into the different types of turbulence, we need to understand what turbulence actually is. Turbulence is the irregular motion of air that causes an aircraft to experience sudden rocking, shaking, or jolting movements. It occurs when airflow becomes unstable or changes speed and direction. The severity of the airflow changes influences the turbulence intensity.
Turbulence can be caused by several factors, including changes in weather and atmospheric pressure, or jet streams. Although it can feel unsettling, turbulence is a normal part of flying, and modern aircraft are built to handle it safely. Whether you’re dealing with light turbulence or extreme turbulence, it’s important to remember that planes are designed and pilots are trained to handle it. In case of these events, pilots are also encouraged to report turbulence to Air Traffic Control to alert other planes in the area.
Types of Turbulence
There are several types of turbulence that pilots and passengers may encounter, depending on the location, terrain, weather, or even other aircraft nearby. They include:
Mechanical Turbulence
Mechanical turbulence happens when wind flows over buildings, trees, or mountains. These obstacles disrupt the air flowing across them and create swirling patterns that can shake an aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. Strong wind speed or unstable air can make these swirls more intense, while stable air keeps them milder.
Convective Turbulence
Convective turbulence (also known as thermal turbulence) happens due to uneven surface heating or ground temperatures. When this happens, warm air rises and cooler air sinks. This movement creates turbulent vertical motions and vertical currents that make the plane feel bumpy.
Mountain Wave Turbulence
Mountain wave turbulence develops when strong winds blow over mountain ranges and force the air to rise and fall in waves. As planes pass through these air currents, they can experience sudden vertical movements. The turbulence is stronger when the winds are fast and the air stability varies.
Clear Air Turbulence
Clear air turbulence occurs where there are no clouds to warn pilots. It forms when fast-moving air masses with different speeds and directions collide, often accompanied by wind shear. These sudden shifts in the air can jolt a plane, and pilots usually manage it by changing altitude a few thousand feet to find stable air.
Wake Turbulence
Wake turbulence is caused by the disturbed air flowing behind an aircraft’s wings. Other aircraft flying too close can encounter these swirls as well. This turbulence usually happens during takeoff and landing when planes are near each other.
Wind Shear Turbulence
Wind shear happens when wind direction or speed suddenly changes over a short distance. This can occur near the ground during takeoff and landing, around jet streams, or in temperature inversion layers. The sudden shifts can push or pull a plane unexpectedly, which requires quick adjustments by the pilot to maintain stability.
Temperature Inversion Turbulence
This type of turbulence is also caused by differences in air temperature. In temperature inversion turbulence, temperature rises with altitude, causing a wind shear and turbulence.
Frontal Turbulence
Frontal turbulence happens when warmer air meets colder air masses and creates unstable air that can shake a plane. This usually occurs along a front, like a cold front moving under warmer air.
What To Do in Case of Turbulence
While turbulence can feel unsettling, knowing what to do can make it easier to handle. Here’s how to stay calm during turbulence:
- Find a Distraction – Keeping your mind occupied can make turbulence easier to handle. Try listening to an interesting podcast, your favorite music, or an audiobook, reading a book, or watching a show. You can also chat with a fellow passenger to keep your mind distracted. Doing these exercises shifts your focus away from the bumps.
- Focus on Your Breathing – During turbulence, it’s natural to feel anxious. Many people hold their breath or breathe too quickly, which can actually increase stress. Focusing on slow, controlled breaths helps regulate your heart rate and keeps you calmer throughout the flight
- Write Your Name with Your Non-Dominant Hand – Captain Ron Nielsen, who runs the Fearless Flight program for anxious flyers, recommends writing your name with your non-dominant hand. You can use a pen and paper or just the tip of your finger. This simple trick draws your focus away from the turbulence and engages a different part of your brain than usual, helping to calm your mind and reduce anxiety during bumpy flights.
While turbulence can be frightening, traveling by aircraft remains one of the safest ways to travel. Still, whether you’re dealing with light turbulence or moderate turbulence, knowing the steps to take to keep calm can help.
The Best Times To Fly To Avoid Severe Turbulence
Turbulence is often more noticeable in the winter and summer and during the daytime, as storms, cold fronts, and stronger winds make the air less stable. Early morning or nighttime flights are usually smoother because the air tends to be calmer. To avoid turbulence, it’s wise to check a turbulence forecast before booking your flight and avoid flying when turbulence warnings are high. Also, choosing the right seat and keeping your seat belt fastened can help you stay safe and comfortable, no matter when you travel.
Fly From Harlingen Airport for a Smooth Experience
If you’re sensitive to turbulence, it’s important to plan your flights carefully to account for the different types of turbulence that can occur. You may need to know how to pick the right seat and identify calmer routes to reduce the impact of turbulence along your flight pat
For a smoother journey, choose Harlingen Airport. With convenient services, attentive staff, and a travel experience designed for your comfort, we make flying easier.