The seat belt sign is off, the drinks trolley is out, and then the plane suddenly drops or starts to shake. Someone mutters “air pocket”, and for nervous flyers the questions begin. Air pockets are one of the most misunderstood parts of flying, so here is a clear explanation of what is really happening, why it is almost never dangerous and what you can do to feel more comfortable.
What are air pockets?
“Air pocket” is the everyday name for what pilots and meteorologists call turbulence: sudden changes in the speed and direction of the air an aircraft is flying through. There is no actual hole or empty pocket in the sky. The sinking feeling comes from the plane moving into air that is flowing differently from the air around it – a bit like a boat crossing choppy water.
What causes turbulence?
- Mountains and terrain: wind flowing over mountain ranges creates waves and eddies in the air above them.
- Weather systems: thunderstorms and the boundaries between warm and cold air masses produce strong vertical air movement.
- Jet streams: fast-moving rivers of air at high altitude can cause “clear-air turbulence”, which happens without any visible clouds.
- Heat: on hot days, rising air near the ground makes take-offs and landings bumpier.
- Other aircraft: the wake left behind a large aircraft can cause short bumps for planes following behind.
How turbulence affects a flight
Turbulence can make the aircraft shake, rise or sink suddenly, and it can briefly change its speed. Even when it feels dramatic inside the cabin, the actual change in altitude is usually far smaller than it seems – often just a few metres. In the vast majority of cases turbulence poses no risk to the aircraft itself, although it can make for an uncomfortable few minutes.
How pilots and airlines deal with it
- Route planning: flight plans are built around weather forecasts, avoiding areas known for rough air where possible.
- Real-time information: pilots use onboard weather radar and reports from aircraft that have just flown the same route, and may change altitude to find smoother air.
- Training: pilots are specifically trained to fly through turbulence safely, adjusting speed to reduce stress on the aircraft.
- Aircraft design: modern airliners are built and certified to withstand forces far greater than anything they encounter in normal turbulence.
What passengers should do
The single most important thing is simple: keep your seat belt fastened whenever you are seated, even when the sign is off. Almost all turbulence injuries happen to people who are not strapped in. Also:
- Follow the cabin crew’s instructions at all times.
- Store heavy bags in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front of you.
- Be careful with hot drinks when the flight is bumpy.
- If you are a nervous flyer, choose a seat over the wings, where movement is felt least.
So, are air pockets dangerous?
Generally, no. Turbulence is a normal part of flying, and in the great majority of cases it is far more uncomfortable than hazardous. Understanding the science behind it, together with professional pilot training and modern aircraft design, keeps passengers safe – and knowing what is going on can make the bumps much easier to sit through.
Frequently asked questions
Can turbulence make a plane crash?
Modern commercial aircraft are designed to cope with severe turbulence, and accidents caused by turbulence alone are extremely rare. The main risk is injury to unbelted passengers and crew.
Which seat has the least turbulence?
Seats over the wings, near the aircraft’s centre of gravity, usually feel the least movement. The back of the plane tends to feel the bumps most.
If flying makes you tense, the right seat helps a lot – see our guide to the best seat on a flight. For longer journeys, read our tips on staying comfortable on long flights, and if you are travelling with little ones, our guide to flying with a baby.
