Turbulence: Tips and Tricks

Turbulence, or atmospheric disturbance is when the normal airflow is being affected by one of a couple of factors.
 
The factors include: rising hot air (creates thermal turbulence), jet streams (just like currents in a bodies of water), landscapes (mountains), the Intertropical Convergence Zone near the Equator (where the winds of the northern and southern hemisphere meet), and then there is clear air turbulence.
 
Clear air turbulence is the most dangerous because it is the kind of disturbance you do not see coming. For many people it is the scariest kind of turbulence because it can cause sudden jolts of movement and that is the affects inflight anxiety.
 
But to ease your mind, turbulence very rarely ever is the reason behind plane crashes. Studies have concluded that majority of plane crashes occur during the initial take off and decent and landing. According to author Ben Sherwood, “80 percent of all plane crashes happen within the first three minutes of a flight or in the last eight minutes before landing.”
 
If anything turbulence causes bodily injuries. It is estimated that only 58 people in the US are injured from turbulence due to not wearing their seat belts.
 
Tips on how to better deal with turbulence:

• Inform the flight attendants about your fears before boarding- the crew can better support you during the flight if they are made aware.
• Pay attention to the seat belt sign and follow all instructions from the flight crew.
• Try and distract yourself in flight- movies, podcasts, calm music and books offer plenty of options for entertainment.
• Stay aware from caffeinated drinks- they can make you feel anxious, hyper and dehydrated.
• Most importantly follow the lead of the flight attendants, they are trained professionals. If they are cool, calm and collected during bouts of turbulence there is nothing to worry about.