Singapore Airlines and Turbulence: What You Need to Know

7 min readSep 24, 2024

As someone who’s flown with Singapore Airlines more than 10 times, I can confidently say that this is one of my favorite airlines. From their exceptional service to the comfort of their cabins, Singapore Airlines consistently delivers a top-notch flying experience. Over the years, I’ve never had any issues with turbulence while flying with them. However, as turbulence is a common concern for many travelers, especially those new to long-haul flights, it’s important to understand what causes turbulence, why it happens, and how to stay safe when it occurs.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about turbulence, how Singapore Airlines handles it, the different seat types to choose from, and how to score great flight deals on Skyscanner. So, let’s get started!

What is Turbulence and Why Does it Happen?

Turbulence is essentially the result of air movement that causes an aircraft to shake or bounce. It’s a normal and frequent part of flying, and although it can be uncomfortable, it’s rarely dangerous. Here’s why turbulence happens:

Weather Patterns: Turbulence is often caused by wind, jet streams, thunderstorms, and temperature changes. When a plane flies through areas of unstable air, the result is a bumpy ride.
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): This type of turbulence happens when planes fly through pockets of fast-moving air in clear skies. It’s harder to predict because there are no visual cues like clouds, but pilots are trained to anticipate and avoid it whenever possible.
Mountains and Terrain: When flying over mountains, the wind patterns can become turbulent due to the air flowing over the peaks and ridges. This can cause some bumps when flying at certain altitudes.
Wake Turbulence: This occurs when a plane encounters the airflow from another plane flying ahead of it. It’s rare but can happen in busy airspaces.

How Singapore Airlines Handles Turbulence

Singapore Airlines has some of the best pilots and crew in the world, so rest assured that you’re in capable hands. While turbulence can be unpredictable, Singapore Airlines takes several measures to ensure passenger safety and comfort:

Advanced Flight Technology: Singapore Airlines’ fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art weather radar systems that help pilots detect and avoid areas of turbulence. The pilots will often adjust flight altitudes or change flight paths to bypass rough air whenever possible.
Communication: The crew is great at keeping passengers informed. If there’s any chance of turbulence ahead, the captain or flight attendants will typically make an announcement so you can prepare.
Safety Protocols: The flight attendants are trained to handle turbulence and will make sure that passengers are seated with seatbelts fastened when necessary. Always follow their instructions — safety is the top priority.

Tips for Staying Safe During Turbulence

While turbulence isn’t dangerous, it’s important to take a few precautions to stay safe and comfortable:

Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Even when the seatbelt sign is off, it’s a good idea to keep your seatbelt loosely fastened while seated. Turbulence can occur unexpectedly, and staying buckled up will protect you from sudden movements.
Secure Loose Items: When turbulence hits, anything loose can move around. Keep your drinks in the cup holder, secure your electronics, and store any items under the seat or in the overhead bin.
Stay Calm: Turbulence is part of the flying experience, and the plane is built to handle it. Take a few deep breaths and relax. If you’re nervous, distraction techniques like reading or watching a movie can help ease anxiety.
Choose Seats Over the Wings: If you’re particularly sensitive to turbulence, choose a seat near the wings. This is the plane’s most stable area during turbulent conditions.

Seat Types on Singapore Airlines

One of the reasons I love flying with Singapore Airlines is the variety of seat types, designed to meet the needs of different travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the seating options:

1. Economy Class

Overview: Singapore Airlines’ Economy Class offers generous legroom (31–32 inches of pitch) and great in-flight entertainment, making long-haul flights more comfortable.
Turbulence Tip: Try to get a seat near the middle of the plane (over the wings) if you want to feel less movement during turbulence.

2. Premium Economy

Overview: With a wider seat, more legroom (38 inches of pitch), and a recline that allows for more comfort, Premium Economy offers an upgraded experience without the cost of Business Class.
Turbulence Tip: The Premium Economy seats are located in a more exclusive section of the plane, often resulting in a quieter and more comfortable experience.

3. Business Class

Overview: Business Class is one of the most luxurious options, featuring lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and spacious seating arrangements. These seats offer ample comfort, especially on long-haul flights.
Turbulence Tip: If turbulence worries you, Business Class will make the experience more comfortable. You can stretch out and relax in a lie-flat seat, reducing any discomfort.

4. First Class/Suites

Overview: Singapore Airlines’ First Class Suites are truly world-class, offering private cabins, a full-sized bed, and Michelin-star-level dining. It’s the ultimate luxury.
Turbulence Tip: In a suite, turbulence becomes much less of a concern. With a full bed and the most stable area of the plane, it’s as comfortable as flying gets.

Singapore Airlines’ Home Hub and Global Hubs

Home Hub: Changi Airport (SIN)

Singapore Changi Airport is consistently ranked as the best airport in the world. It’s Singapore Airlines’ home hub and an experience in itself, offering everything from luxury shopping to an indoor waterfall and a butterfly garden.

Global Hubs

Singapore Airlines operates from many hubs around the world. In the U.S., you’ll find flights departing from major cities like:
Los Angeles (LAX)
New York (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
Houston (IAH)

These hubs connect you to Singapore and beyond, with seamless transitions to destinations throughout Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.

How to Get Great Flight Deals on Skyscanner

Whether you’re looking for Economy or Business Class, Skyscanner is your go-to platform for finding great flight deals. Here’s how to score the best fares with Singapore Airlines:

Set Price Alerts: Use Skyscanner to set up price alerts for your preferred dates and routes. You’ll get notified when prices drop, giving you the best chance to grab a deal.
Search in Incognito Mode: Sometimes, airlines track searches and increase prices if they see repeated interest. Searching in an incognito browser can help you avoid these price hikes.
Use Amex Gold for Points: Book flights with your Amex Gold card to rack up points. You can transfer your Amex points to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program for future upgrades, including Business or First Class.

Travel Health Insurance: Stay Covered

Before you fly, make sure you have travel health insurance. I recommend Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing, especially for long-haul international trips. It covers medical emergencies, accidents, and even COVID-19-related issues, giving you peace of mind while you’re exploring the world.

Final Thoughts: Flying with Singapore Airlines

After flying with Singapore Airlines over 10 times, I can confidently say that turbulence has never been an issue. They handle everything with such professionalism and precision, you can trust that you’re in good hands. Whether you’re flying Economy or splurging on First Class, Singapore Airlines offers an exceptional travel experience, complete with great service, comfort, and safety.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel