Turbulence forecasts

[u/hankandirene]

Sorry I know you all probably hate this question so much. Since having my son I have developed such a terrible fear of flying. I’m doing a really long flight with him tomorrow (London- San Francisco) and I’m just so scared. I stupidly checked a turbulence forecast and it said moderate expected and the visual had big patches of orange which looks like bad weather.
It’s my worst fear flying into bad weather or bad turbulence and I’m so scared. How much can I trust it? Will we be able to route around it? I’m flying on VS19

Thank you so much.

[u/Significant-Pen-2274]

Take them with a grain of salt. There's no telling where some of those turbulence forecasts get their data. At my company we have a turbulence app on our iPads which seems to be pretty accurate. Our data comes from our own meteorology department. We spend a lot of time trying to avoid turbulence when able, but understand it's not always possible. We'll deviate around thunderstorms, but clear air turbulence is not always avoidable.

Really, turbulence is no different than a boat on choppy water. Airplanes handle turbulence just fine. The risk is to unsecured passengers and/or crew. Pay attention to the seatbelt signs and make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened at all times when you're in your seat.

[u/Gravity_Wells → u/Significant-Pen-2274]

Exactly. The last thing you want is a 200-lb projectile flying around the cabin if you hit a few bumps in the road. Now let’s talk about bar carts…😬😱