Feeling the aircraft shake during a flight can be unsettling, especially if you are a nervous flyer or travelling for the first time.

The good news is that turbulence is a normal part of air travel and is generally not dangerous. Aircraft are designed to operate in changing air conditions, and pilots receive information about weather and turbulence throughout the journey.

At Thai Flightcentre, we believe knowing what to expect can make your journey feel much more comfortable. Here is what you need to know about turbulence and what you can do when your flight gets bumpy.

What causes turbulence? 

Turbulence happens when an aircraft moves through air that is changing speed or direction.

There are several possible causes, including:

• Thunderstorms and heavy weather

• Jet streams and strong winds

• Mountain ranges

• Changes in air pressure

• Warm and cold air meeting

• Clear-air turbulence, which can occur even when the sky looks completely clear

Turbulence can happen at almost any stage of a flight, including during take-off, cruising and landing.

In Southeast Asia, tropical weather and thunderstorms can sometimes create areas of unstable air, particularly during periods of heavy rain or storm activity.

Is turbulence dangerous? 

For most passengers, turbulence is uncomfortable rather than dangerous.

Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand the types of atmospheric conditions they normally encounter. Pilots also receive weather information and turbulence reports and may change altitude or adjust the route when conditions require it.

Most turbulence-related passenger injuries happen because someone is not properly secured in their seat.

That is why the simplest safety rule is also one of the most important:

Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated.

You do not necessarily need to wait until the seatbelt sign comes on. Keeping your seatbelt loosely fastened throughout the flight can provide additional protection if the aircraft suddenly moves.

Why can turbulence feel so strong? 

Even relatively mild turbulence can feel dramatic from inside an aircraft.

When the aircraft moves through uneven air, passengers may feel:

• A sudden drop or lift

• Side-to-side movement

• Shaking or vibration

• A sensation similar to driving over a rough road

• Objects or drinks moving slightly

The sensation can be frightening, but what you feel inside the cabin does not necessarily indicate that the aircraft is in danger.

It is also worth remembering that an aircraft does not simply "fall out of the sky" because it encounters turbulence. The aircraft continues to be supported by the airflow around its wings while the pilots maintain control.

When are flights more likely to experience turbulence? 

There is no guaranteed way to predict exactly when or where turbulence will occur.

However, certain conditions can make it more likely.

Thunderstorms 

Thunderstorms can produce strong updrafts, downdrafts and rapidly changing winds.

Pilots generally try to avoid flying directly through significant thunderstorms and may alter the route or altitude when necessary.

This is particularly relevant in tropical destinations where thunderstorms can develop quickly.

Mountain areas 

Air flowing over mountains can become disturbed and create what is known as mountain-wave turbulence.

This means flights travelling near major mountain ranges can sometimes experience additional air movement.

Jet streams 

Jet streams are narrow bands of very strong winds high in the atmosphere.

Aircraft can use these winds to their advantage when they are travelling in the right direction, but strong changes in wind speed or direction around a jet stream can also contribute to turbulence.

Clear-air turbulence 

One of the more surprising types is clear-air turbulence.

It can happen without visible clouds or storms, meaning pilots cannot always identify it simply by looking at the sky.

Weather information, aircraft reports and forecasting systems help pilots anticipate areas where it may occur.

Do morning flights have less turbulence? 

You may have heard that early-morning flights are always smoother.

There can be some truth behind this because the atmosphere is often more stable during certain morning periods. However, there is no guarantee that a morning flight will be turbulence-free.

Weather conditions vary from day to day, so the time of departure alone cannot determine whether a flight will be smooth.

If you are choosing between flights, consider the complete journey, including departure time, connection time and your personal comfort, rather than choosing a flight based only on turbulence expectations.

What should you do during turbulence? 

1. Keep your seatbelt fastened

This is the most important thing you can do.

Keep your seatbelt comfortably fastened whenever you are sitting, even when the seatbelt sign is switched off.

If turbulence starts unexpectedly, your seatbelt can help prevent you from being lifted from your seat.

2. Stay seated

If the aircraft begins to shake, avoid getting up unless absolutely necessary.

If you are already standing when turbulence begins, return to your seat as soon as it is safe to do so and follow the cabin crew's instructions.

3. Secure drinks and personal belongings

A hot drink can become a hazard when the aircraft suddenly moves.

If you are drinking coffee, tea or another hot beverage, take extra care during periods of turbulence.

Keep small belongings properly stored and avoid placing loose items where they could fall.

4. Listen to the cabin crew

Flight attendants are trained to respond to turbulence and other in-flight situations.

If they ask passengers to remain seated or fasten their seatbelts, follow their instructions.

5. Try controlled breathing

If turbulence makes you nervous, focus on slow and steady breathing.

Try breathing in slowly, holding briefly and then breathing out slowly.

You can also listen to music, watch a familiar movie or focus on another activity to take your attention away from the movement of the aircraft.

Where should you sit if you dislike turbulence? 

If you are particularly sensitive to aircraft movement, your seat location can make a difference in how strongly you feel turbulence.

Seats around the middle section of the aircraft, close to the wings, generally experience less noticeable movement than seats toward the front or rear.

However, this does not mean that one seat is completely free from turbulence.

When booking your flight, you can consider choosing a seat that makes you feel more comfortable while also taking into account your preferred boarding position and other travel needs.

What about flights in Thailand and Southeast Asia? 

Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations experience tropical weather, meaning thunderstorms and heavy rain can occur during certain periods of the year.

Routes involving destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Singapore and Vietnam may occasionally experience weather-related turbulence.

However, weather conditions can change quickly, and the presence of rain or clouds does not automatically mean that a flight will be turbulent.

Airlines continuously monitor weather conditions and can adjust flight paths when necessary.

Should you be worried if the aircraft suddenly drops? 

A sudden movement can feel like the aircraft has dropped significantly.

In reality, the sensation passengers experience can be much greater than the actual change in altitude.

Aircraft are constantly moving through changing air currents, and a short period of vertical movement can feel surprisingly strong inside the cabin.

If this happens, keep your seatbelt fastened, remain seated and follow the cabin crew's instructions.

Tips for nervous flyers 

If you know that turbulence makes you anxious, a little preparation before your flight can help.

Consider:

• Choosing an aisle or wing-area seat if it makes you feel more comfortable

• Keeping your seatbelt fastened throughout the flight

• Downloading music, podcasts or movies before departure

• Avoiding excessive caffeine if it makes you feel more nervous

• Practising slow breathing before take-off

• Informing the cabin crew if you are particularly anxious about flying

Most importantly, remember that turbulence is a normal feature of flying.

You may feel uncomfortable for a few minutes, but discomfort does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with the aircraft.

Before your next flight

You cannot completely eliminate the possibility of turbulence, but you can prepare for it.

Check the weather before travelling, allow enough time for your journey, keep your seatbelt fastened and follow the instructions of the flight crew.

Whether you are travelling from Thailand to Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia or another destination in Southeast Asia, understanding what turbulence is can help make the experience feel much less intimidating.

Thai Flightcentre is an independent travel agency and travel intermediary. We help travellers search and book flights and provide travel support, while the operating airline remains responsible for the aircraft, flight operations, schedules and onboard safety procedures.

A little preparation can make a big difference to your confidence in the air.