What You Should Know About Air Turbulence and How to Protect Yourself on Your Next Flight
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What You Should Know About Air Turbulence and How to Protect Yourself on Your Next Flight

Air turbulence is unpredictable, but you can take steps to stay safe if your flight gets bumpy

August 10, 2025

Even the most seasoned travelers can be caught off guard by sudden turbulence, those bumps and jolts caused by shifting air currents. While clear-air turbulence can strike on a sunny day without warning, you can reduce your risk of injury by understanding the causes, following crew instructions, and taking advantage of modern forecasting tools. Turbulence-related injuries continue to make FAA safety bulletins every year, often because passengers or crew are not buckled in during unexpected events.

What Is Air Turbulence?

Turbulence is irregular airflow caused by factors like jet streams, weather fronts, mountain waves, wake vortices, and convective activity within thunderstorms. Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is the most dangerous for planning because it has no visible cues, is not associated with clouds, and often cannot be detected on traditional radar. It can occur at any altitude and is especially common near the boundaries of strong jet streams or over mountainous regions.

How Passengers Can Protect Themselves

  • Keep your seatbelt fastened: Even if the seatbelt sign is off, wear it low and tight whenever seated. Sudden jolts can occur with no prior warning.
  • Stow carry-ons securely: Place bags under the seat or in overhead bins. Loose items can turn into dangerous projectiles.
  • Follow crew instructions: Pay attention to the safety briefing, listen to announcements, and act promptly when told to fasten your seatbelt.
  • Use approved child restraints: Children under age 2 should ride in FAA-approved car seats or a CARES harness rather than on a lap for maximum safety.
  • Stay seated during rough air: Avoid walking around or standing in the aisle when conditions are unstable.
  • Protect your head and neck: In severe turbulence, place your forehead against the seat in front of you or hold the armrests firmly while bracing.

What Airlines and Crews Do to Minimize Risk

Airlines follow FAA and ICAO guidance to reduce turbulence injuries and improve passenger safety:

  • Review turbulence forecasts in pre-flight weather briefings and incorporate them into route planning
  • Share and receive PIREPs (pilot reports) in real time between pilots and dispatchers
  • Adjust flight paths based on Graphical Turbulence Guidance (GTG) maps and SIGMET advisories
  • Train flight attendants in bracing positions, cabin preparation, and securing service carts
  • Use onboard technology to detect wind shear and rapid altitude changes

New Detection and Forecasting Tools

Recent advancements in prediction technology and onboard sensors give pilots more options to avoid or minimize turbulence exposure:

  • Graphical Turbulence Guidance (GTG): Uses multiple weather models to identify potential CAT zones up to 12 hours ahead
  • EDR sensors (Eddy Dissipation Rate): Installed on modern aircraft to provide objective turbulence measurements that can be shared with other flights
  • Pilot apps and data networks: Platforms like Turbulence Aware combine crowdsourced pilot data for real-time situational awareness
  • High-resolution satellite monitoring: Tracks jet stream fluctuations, convection patterns, and wind shear areas

North Carolina Resources

  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): Access airport advisories, flight status updates, and weather alerts at rdu.com
  • FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Greensboro and Charlotte: Provides safety programs and regulatory oversight for NC-based operators at faa.gov/fsdo
  • International Civil Aviation Organization: Find global turbulence safety and reporting standards at icao.int

Extra Safety Considerations for Frequent Flyers

  • Choose seats over the wings for a smoother ride during turbulence
  • Enroll in frequent flyer programs to gain access to airline safety updates and turbulence notifications
  • When possible, schedule flights earlier in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorm-related turbulence
  • Consider travel insurance that covers flight delays or injuries related to turbulence

Turbulence will always be part of air travel, but injuries can be minimized when passengers stay buckled, crews prepare the cabin, and modern detection tools are used effectively. By combining personal caution with the latest technology, you can enjoy a safer, more comfortable flight.