The monsoon season is upon us with lashing rains, thunderstorms and striking lightening!
Statistics reveal to us that flying is safer than driving. But no one really cares about those numbers when you’re sitting on a bumpy flight surrounded by dark and thunderous clouds.
To help keep your panic attack at bay, we are going to tell you about why you shouldn’t fear flying in the monsoon season and some travel tips to go with it.
Why You Shouldn’t Fear Flying In The Monsoon
1. Airplanes Can Withstand Lightning
According to aviation experts, an aircraft is hit by lighting at least once a year.
But don’t worry! it will not burn and char your airplane. Airplanes are built to absorb over eight times the energy carried by a bolt of lightning.
Also, the tiny pin like devices you must have seen on the wings of your airplane, absorbs the electric energy and does not let it affect the passengers or the aircraft electronics.
2.Aircrafts Are Designed To Handle Bad Weather
Aircrafts manufacturers build airplanes in such a way that they don’t tear apart in rough weather. The wings and the main body of an aircraft can withstand extreme wind pressure when flying.
Also, they install advanced avionics to help pilots land in lower visibility which is often the case during heavy rains.
You’d be surprised to know that aircrafts are a lot more maneuverable than they seem. But pilots keep it straight and cruise it for the comfort of the passenger.
3. It’s Completely Safe To Take Off During Monsoons
It may seem that your flight might be at risk, looking at the amount of rain and wind while on your way to the airport, but that’s not true.
Thousands of flights around the world operate in rains and snow without any hassle.
Also, airlines have very strict rules about operating in such conditions. The Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) will not allow the airplane to take of if the conditions are dangerous.
Your flight might get delayed but if your flight is on the taxiway and ready to take off you don’t need to worry and are good to go.
4. Pilots & Flight Attendants Can Handle Such Situations
You might imagine your captain frantically trying to take control of the airplane stick while flying through a bumpy weather.
In reality its quite the opposite!
Your pilot is probably worrying about keeping the coffee in the cup and cursing the airplane through the stormy clouds. This is because turbulence is common, and in several cases, it is handled by the aircraft’s autopilot.
Also, your flight attendants have been trained to handle all worst case scenarios.
5. Your Aircraft’s Tyre won’t Skid During Landing
Landing is the most challenging part of any flight, but your aircraft’s tyres have got you covered.
The tyres of an airplane are designed to withstand a weight of more than 35 tons. These tyres are so strong that airplanes can land at 170 Miles per hour for more than 500 times.
Additionally, airplane tyres are inflated to 200 pounds per square inch, which is about six times the pressure used in a car tyre.
Along with this, your pilot continuously adjusts the airplanes landing distance and speed so that the airplane doesn’t skid-off.
6. Statistics Speak For Themselves
Flying is indeed safer than any other mode of transport.
According to a research conducted by Statistic Brain Research Institute in 2017, the odds of actually being involved in a plane crash is 1 in 29.5 million.
The number of aircraft crashes has been steadily declining over the last 20 years, up to the point that 2017 was declared one of the safest years in aviation history.
While plane crashes are often highlighted by the media, the occurrence is extremely rare.
Now that you know why you should fear flying in the rains, here are a few simple tips you should follow while catching your flight in the monsoon season.
Travel Tips For The Monsoon Season
1. Leave Early For The Airport.
Last Month, during heavy rains, a bridge collapsed in Mumbai causing a massive traffic jam , which blocked the road for airport commuters.
Even though such incidences are rare, you should leave at least three hours before the time you have to reach the airport, during the monsoon season.
You will keep able to keep a buffer in case you meet with a huge traffic jam on your way.
If you don’t find traffic during your commute, here are “5 Ways To Kill Time At The Airport” if you arrive early.
2. Choose The Right Airplane Seat
Flying through monsoon clouds will mean bumps, thuds, sudden drops and lifts, however, this is very normal.
Pick a seat right above the airplane wing, or in the emergency exit row. It’s the closest to the aircraft’s center of gravity, and you will have a relatively comfortable ride.
Make sure you don’t get a seat at the back of the airplane, otherwise you’re bound to have a bumpy ride.
3.Carry Medicines and Repellents
As a precautionary measure, make sure that you always carry the first-aid kit and insect repellents.
Monsoon is the season that attracts insects and mosquitoes. Apart from them, diseases are also rampant and travel through the air and water.
So it’s best to carry repellents to keep the disease carriers away and medicines in case you fall sick.
4.Pack Some Form Of Entertainment
Flight delays will happen during monsoon season, which can force you to be stuck at the airport for a really long time.
Pack some board games, books or carry games with you on your tablet or laptop so that you can wait out the bad weather with some form of entertainment.
5. Obey Your Flight Attendant’s Instructions
This is the most important tip!
The most common reason for people getting hurt during turbulent flights is not being buckled in by the seat belt.
Please make sure that you follow all the instructions given by your airline’s flight attendant and follow each step accordingly, especially during a turbulent flight.
If you want to plan a stress free flight during the monsoon season, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app to get real-time weather and flight updates, along with airline and airport information to plan your trip on the move.
