May 26, 2025, 1:08 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
For some, turbulence is just a minor hiccup that comes with flying. Others—especially those with a fear of flying—handle it much worse. It’s helpful for them to know where in the plane turbulence is least noticeable and which areas to avoid because they can be particularly shaky. More on this on TRAVELBOOK.
Turbulence arises from strong vertical air movements caused by various meteorological conditions. These air disturbances logically affect airplanes moving through constantly changing air masses. And as is well known, turbulence can be very severe—though this is more true for certain parts of the aircraft than others.
Overview
Where in the Plane You Feel Turbulence the Least
“Where do airlines place their First and Business Class?” With this question, aviation expert Cord Schellenberg illustrates for TRAVELBOOK where flying is most comfortable from a physical standpoint. The answer: in the front section of the cabin. Passengers with a fear of flying would be particularly well-placed there, as turbulence is least felt in this area. Those flying Economy should aim to sit as close behind this section as possible, still towards the front of the plane.
His explanation is not surprising. Imagine an airplane in the sky: It pivots around its own center of gravity—located roughly at the wings, in the middle of the aircraft. And like a seesaw, the movements are minimal there. To feel as little turbulence as possible, one should sit as close to this area as possible.
… and Where the Most
The tail of an aircraft houses the empennage, consisting of the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, explains Cord Schellenberg. They control the aircraft’s movement around the vertical and horizontal axes. Especially during turbulence, the empennage actively stabilizes the flight position. In the tail, these corrections are often felt more strongly because the movements are physically most pronounced there.
Passengers seated at the back of the plane—to put it bluntly—are rocked particularly hard during turbulence. This also applies to anyone else in that area. “The cabin crew is, therefore, especially diligent in securing the trolleys and clearing the dishes quickly,” says Schellenberg.
Flight Attendant: Up Front, You Barely Notice Turbulence
TRAVELBOOK interviewed a flight attendant who wishes to remain anonymous but confirms that turbulence is often much less noticeable in the front of the plane—sometimes not at all. It happens that the crew only learns about it because the seatbelt signs are turned on. And if it does get bumpy up front? “Then you can only imagine how much more extreme it must feel in the back.” The difference is enormous—especially in large aircraft.
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In Terms of Safety, All Seats Are Equal
Turbulence is generally unpopular, but not usually dangerous. Modern aircraft are designed to handle strong air movements without issue. However, as aviation expert Heinrich Großbongardt repeatedly emphasizes, it is of utmost importance that passengers and crew are buckled up. During turbulence, the plane can suddenly lose altitude—an unsecured person could be thrown against the cabin ceiling and then fall back down. This can have serious, even fatal consequences—for the person involved as well as for other passengers.