Pilots will often also slow their speed to prevent damage, and also reroute the plane if necessary. If you want to select your seat so you can avoid the worst turbulence, learn how to here. Nighttime or morning flights are statistically better for turbulence, compared to those in the day.

Statistically, the early morning (before 8:00 AM) is the best time of day to fly if you want to avoid turbulence. This is because the sun has not yet had enough time to heat the Earth's surface, which creates the "thermals" (rising warm air) that lead to bumpy atmospheric conditions. As the day progresses and the ground warms, the air becomes more unstable, which is why afternoon flights often experience more "chop" and a higher frequency of thunderstorms. Late-night flights can also be smoother as the atmosphere settles after sunset, though they are more prone to "clear air turbulence" which is harder for pilots to predict. In 2026, aviation meteorology has improved, but the basic physics of "convective activity" remain the same: fly early to stay steady. Additionally, morning flights are less likely to be delayed by the "ripple effect" of air traffic congestion, making it a double-win for travelers who are anxious about both bumps and timing during their journey.