How the Viral “Jell-O Theory” Is Alleviating Flight Anxiety

One of the most common forms of travel-related anxiety is a fear of flying, especially when turbulence hits. The illuminated seat belt sign and a stomach-churning drop can make even seasoned travelers clutch their armrests. The roller-coaster-like effects of turbulence are enough to dissuade some from flying, but the viral “Jell-O Theory” is helping other nervous flyers face their fears and embark on new adventures. Here are all the details.

What Does Jell-O Have To Do With Turbulence?

According to a 2023 report, U.S. travelers listed turbulence as the most nerve-wracking part of flying. Turbulence occurs when changes in air currents — triggered by storms, temperature fluctuations, wind speeds, and even mountains — result in bumpy conditions, sudden drops, and shaking of the aircraft. This natural phenomenon can cause sudden and unpredictable movements, but modern airplanes are designed to withstand it. 

To help ease the minds of travelers, TikTok user Anna Paul explained an interesting theory from a pilot that uses Jell-O to explain turbulence. The now-famous theory posits that a plane in turbulence acts similarly to a tiny ball suspended in gelatin. Imagine a pea lodged in the middle of a cup of Jell-O: The pea is experiencing pressure from all directions, so when the cup is shaken, the pea moves along with the Jell-O instead of sinking. 

An airplane reacts similarly to turbulence. Despite sideways shakes and vertical drops, the plane moves with turbulence, not against it, and won’t fall out of the sky because of the upward pressure it’s experiencing. Even so, passengers are understandably concerned about injury due to turbulence.

How Dangerous Is Turbulence?

News stories about passengers being injured during turbulence are sure to cause anxiety, but it’s crucial to understand that turbulence itself is not a threat to the plane’s safety. Pilots avoid turbulence for passenger comfort, not for fear that they’ll crash. However, it can cause injuries to unbuckled passengers and crew. The most common injuries are minor — bumped heads or bruises from loose objects — so buckling up and securing items are your best defense.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported 163 serious passenger and crew injuries on registered U.S. flights between 2009 and 2022. Considering an average of 866 million U.S. airline passengers annually, serious turbulence injuries are extremely rare. 

There are four classes of turbulence: light, moderate, severe, and extreme. Light and moderate turbulence are most common. You might feel a slight strain against your seat belt, or your drink might slosh around. Severe turbulence, while rare, happens when a significant or abrupt change in altitude or attitude (orientation) occurs. It can be uncomfortable and alarming for passengers, making walking or eating difficult. 

Extreme turbulence is the type most passengers fear. However, it hardly ever happens due to advanced weather forecasting technology, which allows air traffic control to reroute planes around storms that cause these conditions.

Chris McGee, a commercial pilot of nearly 30 years, puts it this way: The chances of a plane crashing due to turbulence are about the same as a meteorite landing on your head. Pilots are well trained to handle even the most severe turbulence, and thanks to constant communication with other planes and air traffic control, they can usually avoid turbulent patches altogether.

Tips for Tackling Turbulence Anxiety Like a Pro

Knowing that turbulence is a natural and manageable part of air travel is half the battle, but there are also several practical ways to make a bumpy flight more comfortable:

Buckle up: Nearly all injuries caused by turbulence happen when passengers or crew are unbuckled. Staying secure in your seat ensures your safety, especially if unexpected turbulence occurs. Wait until the “fasten seat belt” sign is off to use the restroom and always keep your seat belt fastened when you’re seated, even if the sign is off.

Consider a morning flight: According to pilots, the time of day can often affect turbulence. Morning flights or overnight flights tend to be smoother rides because the heat from the ground hasn’t built up yet, decreasing the risk of air temperature changes and turbulence. Booking an early morning flight might give you some peace of mind — plus, it can minimize the risk of flight delays.

Sit near the front: Your seat position can also make a difference. According to Senior First Officer Charlie Page, you’ll feel more bumps near the back of the aircraft where the wind hits the tail. He recommends sitting as close to the front as possible, or at least in the middle over the wings, where the plane is less flexible.