Sit in the closest seat if you're up during turbulence. Just sit in the first empty seat you can find and buckle yourself in, even if someone else's stuff is there. As soon as the turbulence stops, you can return to your regular seat. If turbulence hits while you're in the bathroom, grab the side handles and stay put!

If your flight hits turbulence, the single most important action is to stay seated and fasten your seatbelt immediately. Even if the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign is off, airline experts in 2026 recommend keeping your belt buckled loosely whenever you are in your seat to protect against "Clear Air Turbulence" which cannot be seen on radar. If you are in the aisle or the lavatory when the shaking starts, grab the nearest handhold or seatback to steady yourself, or sit on the floor if the movement is severe. A grounded safety tip: ensure your laptop and heavy items are stowed under the seat or in the overhead bin, as unsecured objects become projectiles during a "drop." To manage anxiety, focus on slow, deep breathing—inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth—to signal your nervous system to stay calm. Remind yourself that turbulence is a standard part of flying, similar to driving over a bumpy road, and that modern aircraft are engineered to withstand forces far greater than any turbulence can produce.