In a recent incident, passengers aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight experienced an unusual and intense bout of turbulence. The event was so severe that passengers described feeling as if they were “floating off of their chairs.”
The turbulence was described as starting off mildly, akin to a rocky ride. However, it quickly escalated to a point where the shaking was so intense that passengers felt as if they were being lifted off their seats. This description paints a vivid picture of the terrifying experience that the passengers went through.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Jon Snook, commented on the incident, stating that such turbulence is rare and isolated. He noted that the airline had not encountered such a severe turbulence in its recent history, highlighting the unusual nature of this event.

Unfortunately, the turbulence resulted in injuries, with three flight attendants among those affected. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of safety measures.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is turbulence?
Turbulence is a sudden, violent shift in airflow. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, air pressure changes, or the jet stream. Turbulence can range from mild, causing slight shaking, to severe, causing the aircraft to move violently.

How common is turbulence during flights?
While mild turbulence is a common occurrence during flights, severe turbulence, like the one experienced by the Hawaiian Airlines passengers, is rare. Airlines have measures in place to predict and avoid turbulence as much as possible for the safety and comfort of passengers.

What safety measures are in place to protect passengers during turbulence?
Airlines have several safety measures in place to protect passengers during turbulence. These include seatbelt signs and announcements advising passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seatbelts. In addition, flight attendants are trained to handle turbulence and assist passengers.

What should passengers do during turbulence?
During turbulence, passengers should remain seated with their seatbelts fastened. They should also follow the instructions of the flight crew. If possible, avoid moving around the cabin or using the lavatories during turbulence.

Glossary of Terms
Turbulence: A sudden, violent shift in airflow that can cause an aircraft to shake or move unpredictably.
Jet Stream: A narrow band of strong winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
Flight Attendants: Airline employees who are primarily responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers during a flight.
Chief Operating Officer (COO): A high-ranking executive in a company who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the company. In this context, Jon Snook is the COO of Hawaiian Airlines.