Flight secrets: Turbulent weather

It’s normal to feel nervous flying, especially in turbulence, but what causes it and is it actually dangerous?

Turbulence is a sudden change in airflow, and can be caused by several different factors, such as wind or temperature gradients.

The seven types of turbulence are as follows:

Whilst uncomfortable and an inconvenience, turbulence is rarely dangerous, and is a good sign that the plane is performing well to counteract external forces.

Often, what feels like large, dramatic drops during turbulence, are just a couple of metres.

Airplanes are designed to withstand extreme amounts of stress, but if you want to feel the effects of turbulence less, pilots suggest seats directly over the wings of a plane, or towards the front.

Flying later in the day may increase your chances of turbulence, particularly thermal and thunderstorm turbulence, which forms as a result of daytime heating.

So, if you're headed off on holiday any time soon, fly in the morning for a smoother ride, and remember, turbulence is just a shift in the airflow and completely normal.