Replies

The Airbus, flying from Barbados to Puerto Rico, had just reached cruising altitude at 35,000 feet. The seat belt sign had just gone off.

Without warning, the plane hit air turbulence, sending the nose up and down. The plane landed in San Juan without any other problems, but some of the passengers required hospitalization.

I was on a flight that hit a jet wake while at cruising altitude. It was one hell of an experience --- it felt like hitting a speed bump at 200 mph. The plant definitely took a beating, harder than any ‘hard landing’ I have even been in. It didn't last long (I assumed we hit it at a right angle) and the pilot didn't seem to have any problem controlling the plane, but I can understand how anything that wasn't nailed down real tight could have come off. The most damage was to my pants. The cup of coffee on my tray ended up on my lap. I understand why they don't serve it real hot.

I had a similar cruising altitude incident a number of years ago, and there was stuff flying all over the inside of the airplane - cups, books, laptops, you name it. The flight attendants had to crawl on their hands and knees to get the drink cart down the aisle.

The plane took a real beating but recovered after about 30 seconds. Made me appreciate how well they are built. Your typical Kia would have fallen apart.

Keeping your seat belt fastened is a good idea when flying. I read about a pilot unfastening his belt, hitting rough air, and being bounced up to crack the top of his head on the overhead of the cockpit - he was blinded and crashed the plane.