Turbulence flying to CA?

[tres409]

I've heard that you can experience turbulence flying over the mountain ranges. Has anyone experienced this? I'm coming from the East Coast - should I expect a lot of turbulence? (I haven't flown in years and I'm pretty nervous about it)

 

[wendypooh22]

I think that it really all depends on the weather that you will be flying thru... the pilot will normally let you know if it is about to get bumpy.

We normally fly to vegas a few times a year and recently flew to the east coast and we had a few bumps, but nothing major...

 

[EMAW]

Trust me, it doesn't get more white-knuckled than me so I totally understand.

We didn't hit much turbulence at all in either direction when we just flew. There were storms around and I figured with the mix of clouds, storm winds and the mountains I was in for it, but it was very light.

I actually get a light prescription to fly with now but I used to take a Dramamine and that helped quite a bit, they make non-drowsy formula now (alhtough I prefer to try to nod off!).

Good luck- it will be ok, and so WORTH IT!!

Emilie

 

[tres409]

thanks for the tips, everyone! your replies really brought a smile to my face!

 

[brenda1966]

I don't want to jinx myself, but I fly over the Rockies and don't experience a lot of turbulence. I think the pilots and air traffic controlers are pretty good about flying around storms rather than through them and also finding smoother air.

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[ktulu]

I've had more turbulance (we're talking flight attendents take your seats and buckle in, people screaming type turbulance) going to Florida from DFW than DFW to SNA/LAX. You should be fine

 

[spazzyjazzy]

I have never had turbulance on the way to LAX from PHX but do get turbulence on the way back to PHX.

 

[princess@heart]

Just got back... flew from Norfolk, VA to Atlanta, then to Orange County. Absolutely no turbulence.

But on the way back home we had to fly Orange County to Salt Lake City, to Cincinnati, to Norfolk. The only turbulence we experienced was about the 1/2 way mark from SLC to Cincinnati. But even then it wasn't bad.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

It also depends on what size plane you are flying in. In a larger plane you will feel less of the "bumps".

Flying into and out of Los Angeles we did not have any turbulence, Salt Lake City, that is a different story, flying in and out we experienced significant tubulence. I fly fairly often, and had never experienced that kind of motion on a plane, I was concerned. But once we got to a cruising altitude it was fine, I think it is just rough because the city is surrounded by mountains.

Don't worry you will be fine, just keep telling yourself that a plane is safer than a car. Also, if you have a phobia, medication may be a good bet. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for a perscription, take a test run of the medication first, to make sure you don't react adversly. Good Luck and happy flying.

 

[daannzzz]

I HATE flying and will drive when ever possible. But to get from Californian to Orlando I have to fly and have done so many times. The pilots do mention about turbulance over the mountains but in the many times we have done it I thought the turbulence was worse over the plains and from Texas over to Orlando.
OOps. Forgot to mentiuon that for some reason the turbulence doesn't bother me much, other than getting a little queezy. Its the take off and landings that do me in.

 

[GailT]

I've heard that you can experience turbulence flying over the mountain ranges. Has anyone experienced this? I'm coming from the East Coast - should I expect a lot of turbulence? (I haven't flown in years and I'm pretty nervous about it)

I flew last year in December to CA from Boston and nothing at all and they were getting hit with all the snow in the midwest was fierce. I am going again this Spetember and no fears about turbulence. I'm going to DL and that takes all my fears away. You'll be fine, have a FUNtastic trip

 

[tres409]

Thanks again everyone for all the great advice. It's really reassuring to hear from people who fly often, especially all the way across the country, and to hear that it's really no big deal. I know turbulence is pretty harmless, but it still bothers me a lot. It's really been wonderful getting all your advice, and although I don't know any of you personally, I stand by my claim that Disney people are the nicest people ever!

 

[arliepooh68]

the only time i have had bad turbulance is san diego to vegas, too many planes too close together to keep on time. . .. i've done the teeny tiny planes up to la from san diego and they are prettty smooth, just LOUD from the propellers. ..