“Is this normal?”

A question I heard often while working as a flight attendant. Usually mid-air, with someone gripping their armrest and looking at me for reassurance.

And I understand it. You’re sitting there, you can’t see what’s happening, and suddenly the aircraft starts shaking. Even if you’ve flown plenty of times before, it can still feel uncomfortable.

I’ve had my fair share of bumps, unexpected dips and shaky climbs. Sometimes the timing was almost impressive. Coffee ready to pour, meal service underway… and there goes the seatbelt sign, and even better if you have a short flight less than 2h, there goes another stress factor, how to manage this?

But being used to turbulence doesn’t mean we ignore it.

So, what is turbulence?

Simply put, it’s uneven air movement that makes the aircraft feel bumpy. It can happen around mountains, near storms or where air currents change. Sometimes it happens in clear skies too.

The bumpy road comparison is probably the easiest way to describe what turbulence feels like. Although I know that explanation doesn’t necessarily help when your stomach feels like it’s been left a few metres above you.

Turbulence is a normal part of flying, but it can cause injuries. That’s why the seatbelt reminders matter, even when everything feels smooth.

What passengers feel, and what we’re thinking

For a nervous passenger, a sudden bump might immediately bring up the thought: “Something is wrong.”

For us, it might mean putting down the coffee pot, pausing service or following instructions to take our seats.

And then there’s me… I actually quite enjoy turbulence. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so a few bumps make the flight more exciting. Not because I’m hoping service gets cancelled, although I know how that sounds hehe.

My favourite? Being on an ultra-long flight, finally getting my crew rest and having a little turbulence rock me to sleep. Probably not what a nervous flyer wants to hear, but I find it quite cosy.

Of course, I mean manageable bumps while safely strapped in. Once things start flying towards the ceiling, the fun is over. I like a little adrenaline, but I’d prefer my coffee to stay in the cup.

That’s just me, though. Not every crew member enjoys it, and flying regularly doesn’t mean we never feel uncomfortable. We’re human too, and we still take it seriously.

So if we pause service or take our seats, please follow the instructions. Your coffee can wait, and so can those empty cups.

You don’t have to pretend you’re fine. If you’re anxious about flying, let the crew know. I would much rather someone tell me than sit there quietly worrying for hours.

A few things I’d suggest:

• Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you’re seated, even when the sign is off.
• Listen to the crew’s instructions and stay seated when the seatbelt sign is on.
• Have something familiar to focus on. A favourite playlist, a film or a podcast might help take your attention away from every little movement.
• Give yourself a moment. You don’t need to force yourself to feel relaxed immediately.

I wouldn’t tell you to judge everything by a flight attendant’s expression, either. You can’t always tell what’s happening by looking at someone’s face. Listen to what the crew tells you.

About those seatbelt reminders…

I know. You’ve heard them during the announcement, someone has checked your row, and now we’re reminding you again.

But unexpected turbulence is exactly why we ask you to keep it fastened while seated. It helps protect you if the aircraft suddenly drops.

And while a lot of what you see us doing involves meals, drinks and making the flight comfortable, looking after your safety is the most important part of the job.

One last thing

I don’t want to tell a nervous flyer to “just relax.” If it were that easy, you would have done it already.

What I can say is that those bumps became much more familiar during my time in the skies. They might still interrupt a meal service or make me wish I was already sitting down, but I understood them better.

So next time things get bumpy, keep your belt fastened, listen to the crew and let someone know if you’re struggling.

You won’t be the first person to ask, “Is this normal?” 🧡