January 22, 2026 | 05:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Injuries during plane turbulence are becoming more frequent. Last month, two individuals suffered from broken ankles after a British Airways flight experienced turbulence on its journey from Los Angeles, United States, to London, England. Earlier in 2024, a 73-year-old British national died and over 30 others were injured during a Singapore Airlines flight that encountered severe shaking.
According to a 2023 study from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, clear-air turbulence, or high-altitude bumps that occurs in the absence of clouds, has increased in various regions around the world. Between 1979 and 2020, the total annual duration of severe turbulence over the North Atlantic increased sharply by 55 percent. Meanwhile, moderate turbulence skyrocketed by 37 percent, and light turbulence saw an increase of 17 percent.
Professor Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading who co-authored the study, stated that the rise in turbulence is caused by climate change.
“Following a decade of research showing that climate change will increase clear-air turbulence in the future, we now have evidence suggesting that the increase has already begun,” he said, as reported by New York Post, on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.
To avoid getting hurt from turbulence, here are safe seating practices while onboard an airplane.
1. Fasten Your Seatbelt
Start by following the safety instructions from the flight crew, which is to fasten your seatbelt. A View From the Wing contributor Gary Leff stated that most turbulence-related injuries are experienced by individuals who do not fasten their seatbelts. "The thing you want to do is be seatbelted when you’re in your seat. What you don’t want is to fly out of your seat, hit your head on your hip end," he told the New York Post.
But seatbelts are not a 100% safety guarantee during turbulence, as there may be heavy objects, such as luggage, flying around.
2. Seat Selection
Although most turbulence is not hazardous, many passengers panic or even feel nauseous when experiencing it. For passengers afraid of turbulence, it's best to choose the right seat—over the wings or at the front of the aircraft—and avoid the rear.
“The wings are more closely located to the center of gravity of the airplane, therefore, the ride while sitting near the wings may feel less turbulent than near the tail of the aircraft where vertical input is felt the most,” American Airlines Captain Dennis Tajer told Fox News.
Aside from being near the wings, the front cabin usually experiences less shaking. Seats by the window also provide visual references that help the brain adjust to the sensation of movement, while aisle seats provide a psychological comfort through perceived freedom of movement, according to Travel Noire.
3. Swaying with the Turbulence
If sitting in the rear cannot be avoided, there's another trick to minimize the extreme shaking sensation. Flight attendants suggest going with the flow of the aircraft's turbulence. When turbulence occurs, essentially, just imagine you're being submerged in jelly and wiggle in your seat. "You'll feel so much better," a flight attendant shared on the TikTok social media platform.
By moving in tandem with the aircraft's motion, passengers can reduce muscle tension and minimize the impact when the aircraft's wheels touch the air.
Read: Turbulence on the Rise: What Air Passengers Need to Know
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Turbulence on the Rise: What Air Passengers Need to Know
16 Oktober 2025
Although turbulence can occur globally, it is generally more prevalent during winter months or over rugged, mountainous terrains.
Two Delta Air Lines Jets Collide at New York's LaGuardia Airport, Leaving One Injured
3 Oktober 2025
Incident results in a cabin crew member being injured despite being involved in a low-speed airplane collision
Ground Your Fear: Unique Tips for Flying with Confidence
24 April 2025
The fear of flying can be overcome, but the approach may differ from one person to another.
Most Turbulent Flight Routes in the World in 2024
3 Februari 2025
In the aviation accidents discussion, these most turbulent flight routes receive weighing scrutiny from passengers.
Korean Air Adjusts In-flight Meal Service Amid Rising Turbulence Incidents
5 Juli 2024
South Korean flag carrier Korean Air recently decides to adjust its in-flight meal policy on medium and long-haul flights to prioritize safety.
Passengers from Diverted Air Europa Flight Recount Turbulence Ordeal
2 Juli 2024
A passenger from an Air Europa flight diverted to northeastern Brazil on Monday, July 1, due to severe turbulence.
Singapore Airlines Offers Compensation to Passengers on Severely Turbulent Flight
11 Juni 2024
Singapore Airlines has sent offers of compensation to passengers on board a flight last month that encountered severe turbulence.
Twelve Injured as Qatar Airways Dublin Flight Hits Turbulence
27 Mei 2024
Twelve people traveling on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Ireland were injured during a bout of turbulence.
Top 3 News: Singapore Airlines Incident: What to Know About Turbulence
25 Mei 2024
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
43 People from Singapore Airlines Flight Still Under Treatment, Thai Hospital Says
25 Mei 2024
Forty-three people who were on board a Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI) flight that hit severe turbulence remain hospitalized in Bangkok.
