Ex-airline pilot reveals why you should always pick the window seat if scared of turbulence
AN EX-AIRLINE pilot has revealed why choosing the window is ideal for passengers scared of turbulence.
Mid-flight turbulence has been in the news recently after a man died and dozens were hospitalised following a horror flight on Singapore Airlines.
Kathleen Bangs, a former pilot and spokesperson for flight tracking services, recommends passengers choose a window seat if they feel nervous about turbulence.
Seeing the weather conditions can put passengers at ease and help them understand how it might affect the plane.
They are also less at risk of being hit on the head if the overhead bins open and luggage starts flying around.
However, such extreme turbulence is rare, and choosing the window seat for safety purposes might be “unnecessarily cautious,” according to the ex-pilot.
Passengers who hate the feeling of turbulence should avoid sitting at the back of the plane, as the aircraft’s tail is designed to move and bear the brunt of it.
Instead, sit in the middle next to the wings where it is more stable.
While the difference may be mild, the centre is generally smoother and can put nervous flyers at ease.
Last week, more than 30 people had to be treated for injuries after an Air Europa flight hit severe turbulence travelling from Spain to Uruguay.
This highlights the importance of staying buckled up throughout the flight.
Hassan Shahidi, CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, claimed those not wearing a seatbelt are the ones who end up with serious injuries because of turbulence.
John Cox, a retired airline pilot added: “If I’m not up walking around for a reason, then my seat belt’s at least loosely fastened.”
Passengers should be strapped in even if the seatbelt sign isn’t lit to avoid risking any injuries.
“Just because the air is smooth at one moment doesn’t mean that turbulence isn’t only seconds ahead,” an ex-pilot said.
Another tip for dealing with turbulence is to pay attention to what the flight attendants and pilots tell you.
Their instructions are vital for passenger safety.
Be wary of which possessions you have out especially if a bumpy ride is expected.
Passengers don’t want to get caught with a hot drink in their hand once they hit a turbulent patch.
Similarly, be sure to stow away any electronics or valuables as you don’t want to see them go flying and potentially into another passenger.
It comes after a former pilot revealed a clever travel item he always takes on holiday.
And an ex-pilot has shared the big mistake people make when boarding which could be deadly in an emergency.
How to stay safe during turbulence
Several former pilots have revealed the best way to keep safe and ease nerves when flying through a bumpy patch.
- Always buckle up
- Pick a window seat at the centre of the plane
- Use apps such as Turbli or Fly With Courage to preview weather forecasts and turbulence outlooks along a flight path
- Pay close attention to what flight attendants and pilots tell you
- Ask to speak to the pilot or on-board staff if you have any queries