Not a bad story, but I just want to share this thought. I love pilots; so much appreciate that I get to see my family in California, Colorado and England every year because of them. However, I just want to offer this little bit of advice if you don’t mind.
I am terrified of turbulence, my only fear in life, I wait for it and always anticipate it getting worse. Please don’t announce when I get on the plane that you are expecting bumps along the way. For those lucky people who are not afraid, they don’t care, but for those of us who are afraid, it’s a nightmare. If you think it’s going to be a smooth flight, please let us know. If not, please say nothing! I have spent hours anticipating turbulence that didn’t happen, and even if it did, I didn’t need to spend hours waiting for it.
Thanks, just wanted to share that thought.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi there,
I can totally understand what you are saying. However, one of the reasons for the announment is to prepare people for the possibility of having to stay seated and curb bathroom trips and anticipate disrupted or delayed cabin service. If you think about it, it's all about how you look at it, the announcement could bring comfort to some because it's saying that the pilot knows in advance of what will happen and that it's not a surprise. It's also an indication that there is no danger to the plane or else the pilot would not be flying into said conditions. Yes to say relax is easier said than done but if you really think about it, knowing that the pilot already knows about some upcoming turbulence means it's already been evaluated and flown through by many other flights ahead of you and it's safe to proceed.
Announcing turbulence is the pilot's way of letting passengers know that it is normal and not to be afraid, like Rjj said, they do so because they've already experienced the flight path and can keep passengers informed about what to expect. I think it is quite reassuring. I don't know why you'd rather be kept in the dark
Its their subtle way of saying 'keep seated and buckled up' in case you hit turbulance and suffer injury… then you can't sue for medical expenses as you have been warned!!
Most pilots whop announce turbulence also announce when it is over.
Agreed with above comments, I think it has to do with the fact that if they want you to stay in your seats/buckled up, they have to explain why. Also, I think as some said that if it happens then people know the pilots were expecting it and it's 'normal.' I do understand where you're coming from, though . . .
I'm terrified of flying despite having flown at least 60+ times in my life. Personally I would prefer to know exactly what is going on. Part of my fear relates to control issues- knowing the entire situation makes me feel a lot calmer and better about the situation. I would much rather know what to expect than be kept in the dark.
Coward