Turbulent Skies: The Top 10 Most Anxiety-Inducing Flight Routes in the US
Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight because the latest report on turbulence in the skies will leave even the most seasoned flyers feeling a bit jittery. According to a newly released analysis, the Rocky Mountains region in the US was home to some of the most unsettled air in the country last year, making it a no-go zone for nervous travelers.
The Top Offenders
If you’re a nervous flyer looking to avoid the bumpiest rides, steer clear of the Mountain Time Zone, where the five worst offenders for turbulent routes were identified. Topping the list of anxiety-inducing flights was the route from Albuquerque to Denver, with the data revealing it as the most turbulent journey across the fifty states.
Turbulence, as defined by the FAA, is invisible air movement that can occur unexpectedly due to various atmospheric conditions, including jet streams, mountainous terrain, and weather fronts. To compile its annual list, Turbli, a turbulence forecast tool, analyzes data from NOAA and the UK Met Office, tracking nearly 1.5 million flight tracks to evaluate disturbances and determine the rankings.
The Rocky Mountain Rollercoaster
Denver emerged as a recurring name in the list of turbulent flights, with routes from the Mile High City to Jackson, Wyoming, Salt Lake City, and Bozeman, Montana, all making it to the top five. The data showed that every flight in the top 10 was either within the Rocky Mountains region or immediately adjacent to it, emphasizing the challenging flying conditions in the area.
Noteworthy Mentions
Apart from the Rocky Mountains, the analysis also highlighted the turbulence-prone Salt Lake City region, with flights from Boise, Las Vegas, and other nearby cities featuring in the top 10 list. The data dump also included overseas flights, with routes over the Andes in South America ranking as some of the most fearsome journeys in the world.
As you plan your next trip, consider the potential for turbulence on these routes and prepare accordingly. Remember, while turbulence can be unsettling, it is a common occurrence in flying and poses no significant danger to modern aircraft. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, even if it gets a bit bumpy along the way. Safe travels!