These Flight Routes Are Proven To Have The Most Turbulence

For many people, flying is often the most challenging aspect of traveling, with approximately 40% of the U.S. population reported to have a fear of flying. This sense of unease is frequently heightened by turbulence during flights, leading to even more anxiety among passengers. Most of the time, however, turbulence is nothing to worry about — a minor hiccup in the journey through the skies. Yet, the discomfort it triggers is quite understandable, especially when passengers are unsure what to expect or what causes their plane's occasional shivers.

Despite the unsettling nature of turbulence, there is solace in staying well-informed and mentally prepared when encountering these aerial bumps. Acquiring knowledge about the various causes of turbulence and understanding in advance if certain flight routes are more susceptible to it can significantly contribute to peace of mind.

Turbli has revealed the most turbulent flight routes after analyzing a staggering 150,000 routes in 2023. Turbulence is measured in eddy dissipation rate (EDR), and in this study, a score between 0 and 20 means light turbulence, between 20 and 40 is considered moderate, between 40 and 80 means severe, and anything between 80 and 100 is extreme. Armed with this knowledge and some tips on how to mitigate the effects of turbulence, this article will (hopefully) help ease the anxiety and make air travel more enjoyable. Moreover, for those who harbor lingering concerns, we delve into convenient alternatives to flying these turbulent routes, providing thoughtful considerations for a more comfortable travel experience.

A direct flight from Chile's Santiago to Bolivia's Santa Cruz covers a distance of 1,194 miles and typically takes only three hours. However, the availability of this route is limited, with LATAM Airlines offering just one direct flight per week, usually on Tuesday mornings. Other airlines may involve at least one layover, extending the total travel time to up to 27 hours. Some routes may even detour further north to countries like Colombia or Nicaragua before heading back south to Bolivia's largest city.

Despite the relatively short distance of the direct flights from Santiago to Santa Cruz, the journey traverses the formidable Andes mountain range. The Andes, characterized by towering peaks and rugged topography, create intricate, atmospheric conditions and dynamic air currents that can result in turbulence during the flight. The database recorded this route's average turbulence score at 17.568 EDR, making it the route with the highest average turbulence in 2023. Bumpy? You bet.

Indirect flights from Santiago to Santa Cruz may take considerably longer but come with less turbulence and more flight options. Alternatively, a bus journey from Terminal Alameda in Santiago to Santa Cruz takes about 40 hours, or you can opt for an overland multi-day tour, which not only provides a scenic route but also takes you through captivating natural attractions between the two cities.

Lanzhou is a bustling city in China situated along the Yellow River, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the iconic Zhongshan Bridge. Chengdu, on the other hand, is a modern metropolis famed for its spicy cuisine and giant panda conservation center. Despite being 410 miles apart in flight distance, both cities share the backdrop of mountainous landscapes, creating breathtaking cityscapes but also presenting a dynamic terrain to navigate.

The flight route from Lanzhou to Chengdu takes passengers through the vast and varied landscapes of western China. As the aircraft departs Lanzhou, the route skirts around the Qinling Mountains that stretch across central China, a significant geographical divide that influences climate patterns and harbors diverse ecosystems. Then, the journey encounters the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, characterized by high elevations and rugged mountains. The intricate topography, interacting with the steady airflow, can lead to the formation of turbulence-inducing mountain waves, resulting in an average score of 16.75 EDR in Turbli's database.

As an alternative to the short flight from Lanzhou to Chengdu, travelers can opt for the high-speed train to Chengdu East, a journey that takes about seven hours.

The flight from Milan to Geneva has the highest turbulence rating of any European route in this list. To make the journey, the plane must traverse the mountainous Alpine region. Flying over the Alps has proven to be challenging and susceptible to turbulence due to the mountain waves created when air is forced to ascend over its rugged peaks. Additionally, the Alpine region is prone to the development of lee waves, which are currents forming on the lee side of a mountain range, contributing to atmospheric disturbances that may cause turbulence. Turbli's data shows that the average turbulence score for this flight route is 16.398, the fifth highest in the world.

An appealing alternative to the Milan to Geneva flight is train travel. One might even argue that it's a better option, considering the journey only takes between four and six hours (depending on the train), and passengers have the opportunity to savor the breathtaking Alpine scenery as the train passes through Lake Maggiore, Lake Geneva, countless charming towns and sweeping vineyards.

Flying from one coastal city to another along the eastern coast of Japan, this route isn't a million miles away from the Centrair to Sendai route mentioned earlier. The journey begins in Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolitan, renowned for its lively street food scene and distinctive architecture. Over a flight distance of 407 miles to the northeast, the aircraft arrives at Sendai after a travel time of one hour and 20 minutes.

The Osaka to Sendai route crosses diverse terrains, including the Japanese Alps, a mountain range that cuts through the Japanese archipelago. As the aircraft flies over these mountainous regions, it may encounter airwaves and turbulence. Additionally, both airports could also be affected by sea breezes, potentially leading to atmospheric shifts and turbulence. Furthermore, the route falls within the area influenced by the force of jet streams, further affecting atmospheric conditions. These conditions combine to create an average turbulence score of 16.307 ED.

A sensible alternative to taking the flight is opting for a train journey using the Japan Rail Pass from Shin-Osaka Station to Sendai via Tokyo, for a total travel time of four hours and 30 minutes.

It's now official that Xianyang holds the record for the most mentions on this list. This time, the spotlight is on the route from Xianyang to Chongqing, a sprawling megacity along the Yangtze River surrounded by the Daba, Wushan, and Wuling mountains. Chongqing earns its moniker as the Mountain City due to its dramatic and striking topography, reflected in unique architecture and city planning that works in harmony with the hilly landscape.

Similar to other routes in China mentioned in this list, the rugged topography of central China, particularly the Qinling Mountains, is a possible contributor to turbulence. Jet streams may also play a role in the atmospheric dynamics. In 2023, the average turbulence score for this route was 16.041 EDR. Multiple airlines operate this route, covering a distance of 348 miles in just one hour and 25 minutes. As an alternative, travelers can opt for the China Railways high-speed train from Xiangyang East to Chongqing North Station, a trip that will take approximately two hours and 50 minutes. Unless you are a glutton for turbulence, of course.

Even when flying routes susceptible to turbulence, there are ways to enhance the smoothness of your flight. There's never a bad time to check the turbulence forecast, after all. Firstly, selecting the right times to fly can make a significant difference. Flying during the early morning or late evening has proven to be advantageous for minimizing turbulence, as the air tends to be smoother during these times. On the other hand, as the sun rises, the heating of the ground may cause warm air to rise, potentially interrupting the flight's smooth journey.

The choice of your seat on the aircraft can also impact your turbulence experience. Seats positioned over the wings tend to feel more stable, with passengers experiencing less motion, thanks to the balancing effect of the plane's wings. Furthermore, the seats located towards the front of the aircraft generally experience fewer disturbances compared to those at the rear. Additionally, bigger planes can generally handle turbulence better because the bigger mass is less susceptible to wind changes.

Different seasons can also affect the susceptibility of turbulence. Unfortunately, the holidays are often peak time for air turbulence. The winter's blizzards and the summer's strong winds can contribute to unstable air currents. Lastly, it's always a good idea to check weather forecasts for both your departure and arrival prior to the flight. This way, you can stay informed and choose dates with more stability, avoiding potential disruptions such as thunderstorms or snowfall.