Recent Study Suggests A Concerning Factor Contributing To The Increasing Discomfort Of Airplanes
Rising global temperatures alter weather patterns, influencing air movements and potentially causing a rise in turbulence for airline flights.
CBS News has highlighted several cases of severe turbulence leading to injuries. However, there are ways to mitigate such incidents.
Turbulence refers to the abrupt, rough movement experienced by a plane when it encounters disruptions in the air. These disruptions may stem from factors like atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts, or thunderstorms, as outlined by The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website.
Turbulence is a frequent aspect of air travel, usually posing minimal danger when safety measures are observed. However, the rising global temperatures contribute to increased turbulent weather, elevating the likelihood of passenger discomfort and potential injuries. From 2009 to 2019, the FAA recorded an annual range of five to 18 injuries during flights.
The pandemic saw a decline in these numbers, but recent data indicates a notable surge in incidents, such as a Hawaiian Airlines flight with 36 injuries and 20 hospitalizations. This underscores the growing impact of severe turbulence on aviation safety.
According to Taylor Garland, a spokesperson for the Association of Flight Attendants, the primary way to prevent injuries while flying is to adhere to instructions. Following the advice of flight attendants and pilots is crucial, especially when the seatbelt sign is illuminated for safety reasons. Garland emphasized the risk of moving around during turbulence, posing a danger not only to oneself but also to others in the cabin.
Regarding safety enhancements, Garland proposed two measures for airlines: extending the time passengers remain seated before landing and empowering flight attendants to secure the cabin and halt services in anticipation of turbulence.
