CaptLaura Travel Tips
 

Hello from the cockpit! I am glad to be onboard with you all now! I want to share my knowledge and help where I can. Let's talk turbulence since we have all been experiencing the bumps and grinds of the summer weather. If you are interested in much smoother flights, always book early morning flights when you can. Not only is it much smoother, but you are more likely to make your connections as well! Blue skies to you. Zulu6

I prefer smaller crowds over smoother flights, so I actually try for later morning/afternoon flights.

btw is it true that a heavy plane bumps around less in turbulence than a light one? I recall reading that somewhere.

It is definitely true. Just as in boats and ships - dingy in the ocean vs a cruise ship, you will feel much less of the currents.

Thanks!

Absolutely! See ya in the sky

CaptLaura Travel Tips
 

Bumps in planes are a function of 'wing loading'--essentially how large the wing is relative to the weight of the plane. Inertia plays a role as well--a bigger plane just takes more "oomph" to disrupt stability but a bigger plane is also exposed to more "oomph" so turbulence is relative. The combined factors mean pilots of different sized planes often feel the same degree turbulence or chop: if one reports 'moderate' others start inquiring about alternate rides despite plane size; if somebody reports severe, everybody starts taking other routes/altitudes, again despite size. Morning flights only help for turbulence in departure/arrival due to heating; strong jet streams , convective activity, and mountain wave are kinda time independent.

For the smoothest flights, since timing flights is often not an option and aircraft size is generally neglibigle, I'd offer: sit as close to over the wing as you can (plane's pivot point--bumps are worst far forward and far aft); drink something lemon-lime or ginger ale; avoid greasy food; sleep thru it; avoid Denver or any other city on a front range (downwind) of a mountain; key off the Flight Attendants, if they don't seem too worried or are up and about the bumps are not uncommon or perceived to be too bad; and don't watch the wing tips--you may not like how much they are flexing.

Pretty tough if DEN happens to be home.;)

Well, you're just going to have to move, then, aren't you? :D

CaptLaura
Welcome.