No airplane is immune to the effects of turbulence. If you’re a seasoned flyer, however, you may have noticed that bigger airplanes typically experience less turbulence. A Boeing 737, for instance, will almost certainly experience more turbulence than a smaller commuter airplane when flying through the same space. To better understand the connection between the size of an airplane and how turbulence affects it, keep reading.
What Is Turbulence?
Turbulence is defined as irregular airflow that changes an airplane’s motion. Just like the seas can have rough waves, the skies can have rough pockets of air. The air here may move fast and chaotic. When an airplane flies through this air, it may shake or even “fall” a short distance.
Common causes of turbulence include the following:
- Weather disturbances, including storm fronts and wind shears.
- Tall mountains, hills and even skyscrapers that disrupt the flow of air.
- Fast-moving air currents or “jet streams”
More Mass
Why do bigger airplanes experience less turbulence compared to smaller airplanes exactly? One of the reasons is mass. There’s a correlation between the size of an airplane and its mass. Bigger airplanes have more mass, which helps them move through pockets of turbulent air. Smaller airplanes, in comparison, have less mass, so they typically shake more when exposed to irregular airflow.
Longer Wingspan
Another reason bigger airplanes experience less turbulence is because of their wingspan. They have a longer wingspan than smaller airplanes. With their longer wingspan, they can absorb more turbulence to promote a smoother flight experience. When an airplane flies through a pocket of turbulent air, its wings will bend upward. This bending action will absorb some of the turbulence. Smaller airplanes typically have a shorter wing span, so they absorb less turbulence.
Higher Altitudes
Bigger airplanes often fly at higher altitudes than their smaller counterparts. Why does this matter? Well, there’s usually more turbulence at lower altitudes. Commercial airlines operate large airplanes that fly at higher altitudes where the air is calmer. As a result, they typically experience less turbulence.
In Conclusion
Many people assume that bigger airplanes are more impacted by turbulence, but this isn’t the case. It’s usually smaller airplanes, in fact, that shake the most when flying through turbulent air. There are several reasons for this. Smaller airplanes have less mass, a shorter wingspan, and they fly at lower altitudes. All of these factors result in more turbulence for smaller airplanes.
FAQs
One of the reasons is mass. There's a correlation between the size of an airplane and its mass. Bigger airplanes have more mass, which helps them move through pockets of turbulent air. Smaller airplanes, in comparison, have less mass, so they typically shake more when exposed to irregular airflow.
Does size of plane matter for turbulence? ›
So yes, while you'll feel a greater effect from the same amount of turbulence on a small narrowbody 737 compared with a big widebody 777, severe turbulence will still feel severe no matter what plane you're on.
Are bigger planes better for motion sickness? ›
Are you more likely to get motion sickness on a small craft? In short – yes. “Motion sickness is definitely more prevalent in general aviation because of how much more small craft feel pockets of air,” Bush explains.
Are larger planes more comfortable? ›
Alternatively, for a transport it allows up to twice the space to fit in bulky but light cargo. Thus, large aircraft are both more comfortable and operationally flexible in use than smaller types.
Which plane handles turbulence best? ›
Best type of plane to avoid turbulence
The Boeing 787-9 has a large wing loading and can anticipate the movement of the plane if hit by turbulence. The Airbus 340-500/600 also has a large wing loading which should mean it is less impacted by turbulence.
Are bigger planes less bumpy? ›
There's a correlation between the size of an airplane and its mass. Bigger airplanes have more mass, which helps them move through pockets of turbulent air. Smaller airplanes, in comparison, have less mass, so they typically shake more when exposed to irregular airflow.
Can turbulence flip a small plane? ›
The bumpiest place to sit is in the tail area of the plane, Smith said, though it doesn't make a lot of a difference. Smith said the fear that a plane might flip upside down or lose a wing is, “at best, science fiction.”
What time of day is turbulence the worst? ›
Statistics say that flights during the early morning or night are less turbulent than day-time flights. This is because during the night, wind speeds are typically reduced, and also thunderstorms tend to alleviate overnight.
What is the most turbulent flight route in the US? ›
Within the United States, Nashville to Raleigh/Durham is most turbulent flight route, followed by the route from Charlotte to Pittsburgh.
Is turbulence worse at night? ›
Early morning or late night flights can help with slower wind speeds, fewer storms, and denser, cooler air that causes less turbulence.
Still, the question is understandable: in particularly severe turbulence, an aircraft's wing can break off? The answer is no. And not just because it never happened. But because commercial aircraft wings are designed to withstand the stress of forces that, in nature, do not even exist.
What are the worst flights for turbulence? ›
Most turbulent routes by distance
| # | Route | Distance (km) |
|---|
| 1 | Santiago (SCL) - Santa Cruz (VVI) | 1905 |
| 2 | Shanghai (PVG) - Tokyo (HND) | 1740 |
| 3 | Hangzhou (HGH) - Tokyo (NRT) | 1959 |
| 4 | Avarua (RAR) - Auckland (AKL) | 3014 |
6 more rowsConditions might be annoying and uncomfortable, but the plane is not going to crash. Turbulence is an aggravating nuisance for everybody, including the crew, but it's also, for lack of a better term, normal. From a pilot's perspective it is ordinarily seen as a convenience issue, not a safety issue.
Are small planes safe in turbulence? ›
Turbulence also presents a greater threat to small planes that are more susceptible to changes in wind speed, rather than larger commercial airliners, Ms.
Are bigger or smaller planes safer? ›
As long as you make sure that your airplane is in good condition and is frequently maintained, and you trust the pilot, there's no higher risk of crashing in a small aircraft compared to a larger one.
What are the best seats on a plane to avoid turbulence? ›
In a May 2023 post, pilot Jimmy Nicholson spoke to his followers, suggesting they steer clear of the back of the plane. “The front of the aircraft, you're going to experience less turbulence. The back, it's going to be a little bit more bumpy,” he proclaimed. “The rear of the aircraft will swing more.
Can turbulence bring down a plane? ›
How dangerous is turbulence? Aircraft are designed to take the worst that turbulence can throw at them, says Mr Gratton, associate professor of aviation and the environment at Cranfield University. It's "unlikely" turbulence will ever destroy an aircraft, he adds.
