For many travelers, the possibility of experiencing turbulence during a flight can be a major source of anxiety especially for those with a fear of flying. What should be a relaxing holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare. In an interview with travel company Airalo, easyJet pilot Captain Chris shared insights on the most turbulence-prone flight routes and how passengers can better prepare for them.
According to Captain Chris, the city of Innsbruck in Austria is one of the most challenging locations in Europe when it comes to turbulence. “The city is located in a valley and surrounded by high mountains, making it prone to strong winds reaching up to 60 miles per hour. This creates a hotspot for severe turbulence,” the experienced pilot explained, noting that passengers flying to Innsbruck may face a rough landing experience.
Turbulence Risk in the Adriatic and the Alps
Based on Chris’s information, the Adriatic coast becomes a particularly turbulent region towards the end of summer and beginning of winter. From November to March, worsening stormy weather conditions can lead to strong mountain waves, especially at airports near the Alps, making flights more challenging.
For those who want to minimize the effects of turbulence during their flight, Chris offers a simple but effective tip:
“Choose a seat near the front of the aircraft. Since the plane’s center of gravity is closer to the front, passengers seated in the rear usually feel more of the bumps.”
