Several incidents this summer highlight one of the most unpleasant experiences one can end up on an airplane. increase. And incidents of this sort may be becoming more common, warns a union representing flight attendants — thanks to climate change.
Tampa, Florida Eight people were hospitalized after an American Airlines flight from Nashville, Tennessee, was hit by severe "unexpected turbulence." A spokesperson for Birmingham's airport has landed in Alabama, he told CBS News.
The incident lasted weeks three Southwest Airlines flight attendants and passengers on a flight from Chicago to Salt Lake City. It happened after one person was injured. Minor injuries after the flight experienced "moderate turbulence".
What is turbulence and when does it occur?
Turbulence that causes an airplane to shake suddenly in flight is It is considered a normal occurrence and nothing to be afraid of. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, this movement is caused by "atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm fronts, or thunderstorms."
"Severe weather increases the likelihood of turbulence. Climate change will continue to increase these types of accidents," Cabin Crew Association spokesperson Taylor Garland told CBS News. Speaking to
Garland said the latest example of turbulence that injured people earlier this summer may have been weather-related.
"Usually, aviation is affected by weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, during the summer months," she said. "So it's typical, but most turbulence is nothing to worry about."
How to Stay Safe on Board
Sudden impacts caused by turbulence can injure unbelted passengers and crew, the FAA warns.
To reduce injuries from turbulence, the FAA is pushing new safety measures to reduce the likelihood that commercial airlines will encounter turbulence. For example, we are encouraging pilots to report more and working to modernize their pilots. The pilot reports weather conditions to his system, the agency said.
In addition, the FAA is working with airlines to make more frequent announcements during turbulence or through video presentations, and airlines designing training programs should ensure that flight attendants It helps prevent turbulence-related injuries.
Garland says passengers' best bet is to follow the crew's instructions and bend down.
"I recommend listening to the flight attendants and pilots," she told CBS News.
``Take the seatbelt sign seriously. Whenever you are in, you must be seated with your seatbelt on," Garland said.
Garland also said some procedural changes could also help.
"Two things: time to be seated before landing and enable flight attendants to anticipate turbulence and secure cabins and cancel service, thereby minimizing turbulence-related injuries."
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