Although turbulence occurs in both large and small planes, it is typically worse in smaller planes because they weigh less, and so more likely to move in line with the air and thus feel turbulence more.

Scientifically, smaller planes generally feel bumpier than larger ones when flying through turbulence. This is primarily due to mass and inertia. A massive aircraft like a Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 has significant momentum, allowing it to "plow through" air disturbances with less displacement. In contrast, a smaller, lighter aircraft (like a regional jet or a Cessna) has less mass, so a gust of wind or a pocket of rising air can move the entire plane more easily. Aerodynamics also play a role; smaller planes often have shorter wingspans, making them more susceptible to "rolling" motions in choppy air. However, smaller private jets often have a secret advantage: they are capable of flying at higher altitudes (up to 45,000–51,000 feet) where the air is thinner and often much smoother than the crowded flight paths used by commercial airliners. So while a small plane might be more reactive to a bump, its ability to climb above the "weather" can sometimes result in a smoother overall journey than a heavy jet stuck in a turbulent lower altitude.