10 Facts to Ease Turbulence Fears for Nervous Flyers

For many travelers, the moment the seatbelt sign dings and the aircraft begins to shudder is a moment of pure dread. Hands grip the armrests. Hearts race. Minds conjure images of wings snapping off and planes plummeting from the sky. Turbulence is the single greatest fear for nervous flyers, often ranking higher than the fear of crashing itself.

But here is the truth that pilots and aerospace engineers know: turbulence is not dangerous to the aircraft. It is uncomfortable. It is startling. It is unpleasant. But it is not going to bring the plane down. Understanding the science and statistics behind turbulence can transform a white-knuckle terror into a manageable annoyance. Here are ten facts that will calm your fear of bumpy skies.