On Thursday morning, 25 people were hospitalized after severe turbulence. Three aviation experts explain that a seatbelt provides sufficient protection against this, as long as passengers keep it fastened throughout the flight. “Unfortunately, flying objects are always possible.”
Cabin crew have more reason to worry about turbulence than passengers, aviation analyst Luk De Wilde tells NU.nl. If there are injuries, they are usually flight attendants. This is because turbulence can occur very spontaneously, while they are serving coffee, for example.
The experts agree that the seatbelt is sufficient to get through the turbulence safely. De Wilde: “The injuries you can sustain are mainly caused by bumping against the ceiling or the wall. While a seatbelt keeps you firmly in place.” The only risk then is a falling coffee cart and flying objects and food, the aviation analyst explains.
According to aviation expert Benno Baksteen, there is little to be done about flying airline meals. But there is also danger in items that people place in the aisle. Travelers should store these properly not only for their own safety, but also for the safety of others, the experts emphasize.
You don’t have to fear rolling suitcases and weekend bags falling out of the luggage compartments. The bins are designed to withstand heavy blows. De Wilde: “The crew also consistently monitors whether they are properly closed. People sometimes want to take something out of their suitcase during the flight.”
Stay Calm and Breathe, Turbulence Will Pass
Experts advise keeping your seatbelt fastened throughout the flight. Even if the air seems calm and there has not (yet) been a warning about turbulence. During the flight, the belt can be loosened a bit, as long as it remains fastened. Then you will stay in place even with spontaneous turbulence.
The most annoying thing for most passengers is the stress that comes with turbulence, says aviation expert Joris Melkert. “It is, of course, quite scary, we don’t need to sugarcoat it.” Staying calm, breathing steadily, and realizing that the turbulence will pass is most important, according to Melkert.