Turbulent times: Protect yourself against the ups and downs of air travel

If you speak to someone who has a genuine fear of flying, they are likely to describe all manner of scenarios that make them anxious. It could be the aircraft suffering a sudden, catastrophic fault, encountering bad weather or even experiencing severe turbulence.

Thankfully, the first scenario is very rare. Air turbulence, however, is something most people have experienced on a flight. In many cases, such as with light to moderate turbulence, the bumpy ride is over in a few seconds or minutes. Other times, the turbulence can be more severe but it is rarely something to worry about. Or at least it was until recently.  

Air turbulence hit the headlines in recent months after a spate of highly-publicised incidents took place in quick succession.

In April, a flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong faced intense turbulence and stormy weather, so much so that passengers were left screaming in fear as the plane failed two attempts to land. Less than a month later, a flight from London to Singapore experienced turbulence so extreme that a passenger tragically lost his life and more than 100 were injured – some very seriously. Incredibly, this incident was followed by another, this time between Doha and Dublin, in which 12 were injured and eight were taken to hospital.

Most turbulence is caused by up and down-drafts of wind when flying through clouds or over mountain ranges. However, clear-air turbulence is much more difficult to spot and can happen without warning.

While practically all frequent fliers have felt its effects, some might not be aware that incidences of turbulence are increasing as the climate warms. A recent study suggests that, between 1979 and 2022, turbulence increased by 55% on a North Atlantic route. The biggest increases are the USA and North Atlantic. There were also significant increases in turbulence in Europe, the Middle East and the South Atlantic. This is potentially a worrying trend for travellers everywhere.

With turbulence looking more and more likely, what should you do if you encounter it on a flight? The first thing is to pay attention to the seatbelt signs. When they come on, buckle up immediately. However, as clear air turbulence can strike without warning, it is sensible to keep your seatbelt fastened for the entire flight. Also, when the seatbelt signs are on, you should avoid getting up to use the toilet. But what if turbulence happens when you don’t expect it and you are out of your seat? In that situation, get into a vacant seat as soon as possible and grip the armrest as firmly as you can until the motion ceases.

If you fly regularly, it would also be wise to purchase travel insurance that provides year-round medical protection on trips abroad. This is especially helpful if you are faced with hospitalisation or even repatriation costs due to injury or death as a result of turbulence. MSIG’s Annual TravelSurance 4.0 is ideal for frequent travellers and includes personal accident and medical expenses coverage, as well as 24-hour worldwide travel assistance. So, don’t let the threat of increased turbulence spoil your travel plans. Ensuring you are well prepared for any eventuality is the best way to find peace of mind before every journey.

To find out more about Annual TravelSurance 4.0 Insurance:
Learn more

To find out more about our insurance plans:
View product

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us:
Contact us

Read more:
Weathering the storm: A guide to travel insurance and protection during typhoon season
Coping with earthquakes: the pivotal role of travel insurance during natural disasters
Explaining Comprehensive Protection for Greater Bay Area Excursions