It’s the phenomenon that makes your stomach twirl and some passengers hurl—turbulence. Airplane turbulence, whether light, moderate, or severe, is never fun. In fact, it can be downright terrifying. But, while there are a number of reasons for flight turbulence, none of them should be panic-inducing. Before you board your next flight, take a gander at these three reasons for turbulence, so that you can stay calm even when dipping and diving at 35,000 feet.
1. Clear air
The most common type of flight turbulence, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, is “clear-air turbulence.” This happens when cold and warm air mix, and it occurs most at between 23,000-40,000 feet in the air. Although it’s the most common type, clear-air turbulence unfortunately can’t be forecasted or easily detected via radar. However, this type of turbulence is quite common and nothing to fret about.
2. Weather
Similar to clear-air turbulence, weather turbulence is due to rain and wind. However, unlike clear-air turbulence, this type can often be forecasted by using special weather flight reports from the Meteorological Aviation Report (METAR) and the Terminal Area Forecast (TAF). Pilots can alter their routes or flying times slightly to avoid extra-awful weather.
“Indeed, some planes carry special weather sensors that feed into a global live picture of weather that also enables more specific forecasts to be created, making it easier to avoid turbulence,” according to Lonely Planet.
3. Jet streams
Jet streams cause flight turbulence in the same way any extremely strong wind would at a high altitude. These airstreams have “bends” that can cause sudden changes in direction in high- and low-pressure areas. Like the other turbulence causes, jet streams and jet-stream turbulence are a normal part of air flight that shouldn’t concern passengers.
Turbulence might make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, but flying is much safer than riding an amusement park ride. Next time you experience an uncomfortable dip on the way to your vacation destination, don’t be alarmed. Perhaps a mantra of, “Clear air, weather, and jet streams,” will remind you that a bit of turbulence is perfectly normal.