British Airways pilots have revealed that turbulence is a common occurrence on all flights and have provided advice on the best seats for passengers who are afraid of flying and fear bumps. According to the pilots, turbulence is most frequently experienced on flights to major tourist destinations such as the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, as reported by the British newspaper “Daily Mail.”
The pilots further explained that during flights to Europe, the planes tend to shake as they cross the Alps in Switzerland and Austria. They also mentioned that flights over Japan often experience turbulence, while on the way to Australia, the shaking is usually felt towards the end of the journey, near Sydney or Melbourne.
Aviation experts suggest that sitting in the center of the plane is better for passengers who want to minimize the effects of turbulence, as they will feel less vibration compared to those seated towards the tail. However, experts also believe that the difference in seat location is not significant and may not be noticeable at all on larger aircraft like the Boeing Dreamliner and the double-decker Airbus A380.
The frequency of turbulence during flights has increased by 55 percent from 1979 to 2020, primarily due to climate change. Experts predict that turbulence will become more frequent, persistent, and severe in the future. Despite this, British Airways pilot Steve Allwright reassured passengers by stating that modern planes are highly durable and pilots are well-prepared to handle turbulence. He compared the shaking of the plane in the sky to driving over bumps on the road, emphasizing that although it can be annoying, it is ultimately safe.
Pilots classify turbulence into two types. The first type is caused by strong winds near the ground and gusts in low-level clouds, typically occurring during the first and last 30 minutes of a flight. The second type, known as “clear sky” turbulence, occurs above clouds when wind speeds at high altitudes undergo significant changes. While this type of turbulence can happen at any time, it is most commonly experienced over mountains and oceans such as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Passengers who are anxious about flying and fear turbulence can take comfort in the knowledge that pilots are well-prepared to handle these weather disturbances. By following the advice of sitting in the center of the plane and understanding the different types of turbulence, passengers can alleviate their fears and enjoy a smoother flight experience.
Why do British Airways pilots suggest booking morning flights to reduce anxiety caused by turbulence
Most commonly encountered over Southeast Asia.
For anxious passengers who are looking for the smoothest ride possible, the pilots suggest booking seats towards the front of the plane. This is because the area closer to the wings and engines tends to have more stability and results in less motion. The pilots also recommend securing seats by the window, as this provides a visual reference that can help ease anxiety during mild turbulence.
Furthermore, the pilots advise avoiding seats at the back of the aircraft. Due to their proximity to the tail section, these seats tend to experience more motion and can amplify bumps and vibrations during turbulence. Passengers seated at the back may also have a more limited view, which could increase anxiety for those already fearful of flying.
To further alleviate anxiety, the pilots suggest choosing flights during the morning hours. They explain that turbulence tends to be more prevalent in the afternoon when the heat from the sun can cause destabilizing air pockets. Morning flights usually encounter less weather-related turbulence, resulting in a smoother journey.
Additionally, the pilots recommend staying informed about weather conditions and turbulence forecasts. This can be done through various apps and websites that provide up-to-date turbulence reports. By staying informed, passengers can have a better understanding of what to expect during their flight and mentally prepare themselves, ultimately reducing their fear and anxiety.
In conclusion, while turbulence is a common occurrence during flights, British Airways pilots have shared their advice on seating preferences and flight timing to help anxious passengers. By choosing seats towards the front of the aircraft, by the window, and booking morning flights, passengers can increase their chances of experiencing a smoother ride. Staying informed about weather conditions and turbulence forecasts can also assist in alleviating fear and apprehension.
This article provides valuable insights from British Airways pilots on the best seats for passengers with fear of flying and turbulence. It’s reassuring to know that their expertise can help provide a more comfortable and anxiety-free travel experience.