AN EX-AIRLINE pilot has revealed why choosing the window is ideal for passengers scared of turbulence. Mid-flight turbulence has been in the news recently after a man died and dozens were hospitalised following a horror flight on Singapore Airlines. Kathleen Bangs, a former pilot and spokesperson for flight tracking services, recommends passengers choose a window seat if they feel nervous about turbulence.
Seeing the weather conditions can put passengers at ease and help them understand how it might affect the plane. They are also less at risk of being hit on the head if the overhead bins open and luggage starts flying around. However, such extreme turbulence is rare, and choosing the window seat for safety purposes might be "unnecessarily cautious," according to the ex-pilot.
Passengers who hate the feeling of turbulence should avoid sitting at the back of the plane, as the aircraft's tail is designed to move and bear the brunt of it. Instead, sit in the middle next to the wings where it is more stable. While the difference may be mild, the centre is generally smoother and can put nervous flyers at ease.
Last week, more than 30 people had to be treated for injuries after an Air Europa fligh t hit severe turbulence travelling from Spain to Uruguay . This highlights the importance of staying buckled up throughout the flight. Hassan Shahidi, CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, claimed those not wearing a seatbelt are the ones who end up with serious injuries because of turbule.