Turbulence On Planes Is Getting Worse—Here's What You Need To Know
Whether you’ve experienced a few particularly bumpy plane rides yourself or have been following the news over the past few years, you’ve likely noticed what seems like an increase in turbulence during air travel. And it’s not your imagination; the friendly skies aren’t as friendly as they used to be.
Scientists have confirmed that there has been a significant uptick in airplane turbulence. In fact, according to the results of a 2023 study published in Geophysical Research Letters, the skies over the United States and the North Atlantic are up to 55% bumpier for aircraft than they were four decades ago.
What Is Turbulence?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines turbulence as “air movement that normally cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly.” These rough patches can be created by atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts, and thunderstorms.
Is Turbulence Dangerous?
While turbulence happens often and is usually mild, it can sometimes be dangerous, as unexpected bumps can cause passengers who are not wearing their seat belts to be thrown from their seats without warning. In the U.S. alone, turbulence has caused 207 severe injuries (requiring hospitalization) since 2009. The vast majority of those were flight attendants who were likely not in their seats.
“Turbulence makes flights bumpy and can occasionally be dangerous,” Mark Prosser, a meteorologist at the University of Reading who led the 2023 study, said in a news release. “Airlines will need to start thinking about how they will manage the increased turbulence, as it costs the industry $150 to $500 million annually in the United States alone. Every additional minute spent traveling through turbulence increases wear-and-tear on the aircraft, as well as the risk of injuries to passengers and flight attendants.”
Why Is Turbulence Increasing?
Climate change has caused an increase in the frequency and severity of in-flight turbulence. And as climate change progresses, experts say that turbulence is only expected to increase.
Studies have shown that warmer air caused by carbon dioxide emissions is increasing instability in the jet stream and strengthening turbulence.
The jet stream, a conveyor belt of air moving west to east that encircles the globe, is fueled by temperature differences between cooler regions to the north and warmer air masses to the south. “Climate change may be throwing the jet stream off-kilter, which could have enormous implications for future air travel,” Prosser told NBC News.
“Planes like to fly with the jet stream,” he added, “but where planes like to fly is also ironically where all the turbulence is.”
How To Stay Safe During Turbulence
The best way to stay safe and avoid injuries during turbulence is to keep your seat belt buckled at all times. Listen to pilots and flight attendants and stay seated (and buckled) when you are instructed to do so.