Heavy Turbulence On Qantas Flight After Takeoff From Sydney

[@latigresseNYC]

I was a flight attendant for several years during the 1980s, and turbulence never bothered me much back then, though there were a few scary moments, like the time we were descending into a typhoon that was bearing down on Manila. The aircraft was buffeted all over the place. But after I stopped flying professionally, flying as a passenger, I have since found turbulence extremely unnerving. There was one incident I'll never forget flying from Cleveland to LGA, the winds were so fierce in NY, that it seemed like the pilots could hardly control the aircraft. I thought we would crash. There've been a few scary Transatlantic crossings, too. I don't fly much these days, about once or twice a year, but I'm always on edge when I do :( I KNOW statistically it's safe and the aircraft can withstand a lot. But the unknown unknowns worry me.

[@GoldenPhoenix101]

As a nervous passenger flier, I'm curious why you find it more unnerving as a passenger than as a professional. Is it just something that's developed over time anyway, or is there something different in the mindset when you're working that makes it less nerve wracking?

[@mrsoikawa]

It never bothered you but it was pretty scary?

[@lizmontana9177]

Im from Denver Colorado & Turbulence is Awful there! I only gi 2 times a yr...thats all i can handle 😬

[@latigresseNYC]

@@GoldenPhoenix101 In a word, it's about trust. Back in the days when I flew professionally, the entire aviation business was different. I knew many of our pilots, how rigorous their training was, they were skilled aviators and professionals and I had confidence in them and their abilities. In addition -- and this is also significant -- most airlines did in-house maintenance of their aircraft and everything was overseen by the FAA and other civil aviation authorities. In recent years, airlines have outsourced a lot of their maintenance to third-parties in developing countries where the rules are not as stringent, and oversight is a bit on the lax side. So it begs the question, what else is being sacrficed in the interest of cost-cutting? While I am not suggesting that pilots now are less professional or not rigorously trained (many of them started out in the military and got the best training) but they are under much more stress than before. Both crew and aircraft are being pushed to their limits (while at the same time more seats are being jammed into airplanes to maximize profitability, along with all the increasing incidents of air rage.) Undoubtedly, this is exacting a toll on the crews' mental and physical health. There have been three incidents in recent years (that we know of) of commercial pilots committing suicide with airplanes full of people. What does that tell you?

[@Caaarooo_0]

100% how i feel too!!! i hate flying but sometimes you just have to to see family

[@AA-tb7rg]

Barcelona to Zurich: 30min of madness Pilots later said they had not expected it to be 200 km/h cross wind at cruising altitude. It felt like taking off from the run way mid air when the engines spooled up to max thrust again. Left right and massive drops for 30min

[@Peter-tg1oo]

Los Angeles to Atlanta back in the day on a Delta L-1011, coming into ATL the plane dropped several hundred feet all at once and many passengers let out a ‘whoop’ like on a roller coaster. Kinda fun actually

[@LukeCrisp]

Haha love it! Yeah I know the feeling… especially if it’s an overnight flight and passengers are sleeping/resting…. There will be a nice synchronized whoop in the cabin 😆

[@jitkamaresova8726]

I experience the worst turbulence on a flight from PRG to Hurghada. Out of the 3-hours-long flight, there was continuous heavy turbulence for the last 2 hours of the flight and I couldn't believe the plane was able to manage it. I fly often and it was way beyond any turbulence of any other flights I've experienced so far..

[@qfa330]

I prefer some turbulence it makes it a little more enjoyable rather that smooth flying all the time... been on a Piper Cherokee with a storm approachng was the only time flying I felt like I was going to throw up !

[@LizJr88]

Turbulence is honestly the most frightening part of flying for me.

[@LukeCrisp]

You and many others Liz… I believe Landing is the most dangerous… so there’s nothing to really worry about with turbulence…. Unless the pilots gone rouge into a storm 😂

[@Schaschlik345]

There is really nothing to worry about, though. It's like driving over a very rough road with your car. It can feel very frightening sometimes but the plane won't fall out of the sky or break up.

[@j2msu341]

I think it's not being in control

[@CowMoobaby]

Turbulence really doesn't bother me at all of course if it was violent then it would.

[@amstergal]

@@LukeCrisp@Liz Fesczenko They always say that take off and landing the most dangerous but that's no comfort to those of us freaked by turbulence, haha and personally, I love the feeling of landing, the gradual descent and views out the window, the sort of silence the plane takes on as everyone quiets for final descent.

[@pamelaevans6485]

I’m a former flight attendant, and I have to say, once flying out of Maine, we hit the worst clear air turbulence I ever went through. Our capt. says it was the worst he had ever been through, and he had 20 years of experience. It was awful.

[@LukeCrisp]

If your captain even said so, then it was definitely a bad patch! Thanks for the comment Pamela

[@karlcotleanu486]

The most turbulent flight I ever had was flying from Canberra to Sydney in an Ansett Airlines 737. The flight was delayed more than 30 minutes in Canberra because of severe weather. Enroute things got real bad real fast. As you would have experienced on your flight, there was a lot of wing flex, and the aircraft was pitching from left to right. Lightning was flashing through the windows, and the noise of the engines accelerating to full power, then powering down between the vertical gusts was terrifying. I remember tightening my seatbelt, and could feel the weightlessness, as the vertical acceleration was trying to pull me out of my seat. On the descent into Sydney many of the overhead lockers flew open, and there were clothes, and baggage strewn all over the isles. People were throwing up, and screaming as the aircraft learched from left to right, pitching erratically up and down, and rapidly ascending, and descending. It was like a scene from hell. The aircraft touched down in Sydney amid pelting rain, and all the passengers cheered, and clapped hysterically. Never have I experienced anything like this since, and now consider even moderate turbulence to be somewhat mild by comparison.

[@LukeCrisp]

Wow! Firstly Ansett! Isn’t that a blast from the past… unfortunately I never got to fly with them before they went bust.. As for you story, it’s incredibly detailed and I could actually visualize the event in my own mind 😆 I’d wonder if the sickness was from being scared or as a result of the bumps and swaying… thanks for the comment Karl! Great story!

[@holisticactivismandfinetun8718]

The moral of the story is if you are travelling from Sydney to Canberra to catch the train. It's really not that far.

[@noturash]

I guess we KNOW why that airline isn’t operating anymore. It’s extremely unsafe to fly through storms.

[@boosinberrys5514]

I’m sorry you had to go through that I remember that flight like yesterday. I was first pilot that day the captain had been up all night snorting coke with some of the flight attendant lady’s an wasn’t 100% that day so I took over the flight while he slept. 😅

[@Lukeyyyyy240]

I consider myself an aviation enthusiast but turbulence still gets to me a bit. Even though I know its normal I cant help but be a little worried. Great video!

[@LukeCrisp]

I think that’s completely normal… even to be just a little worried. For me… it’s about not being in control…if that makes sense? Even though I can’t fly these planes 😆 sort of like if I’m in the car with someone else… I’m more relaxed if it’s me driving.

[@Lukeyyyyy240]

@@LukeCrisp I feel the same way haha. Strange how much power our minds have!!

[@AviationBlenheim]

@@Lukeyyyyy240 same

[@lucaslovesplaness]

I honestly am the same, i want to be a pilot and love flying but turbulence always worries me just a tiny bit - even though i know it’s completely safe

[@cleasanna05]

I agree, i understand how the dynamics of flight works and never had feared flying, but turbulence really does get me nervous and uncomfortable. Its just a bad feeling and the lack of control of the situation makes it worse.

[@willmeyer2150]

I've been in heavy turbulence. It can be very disconcerting. I use logic and statistics to remain calm. It is my understanding that turbulence is one of the least likely things to worry about in terms of safety. Pilot error or system malfunction are the issues that concern me most. We put an enormous amount of faith in those on the flight deck. I know most take it very seriously. That is a good thing.

[@LukeCrisp]

I have to say that I agree with you in terms of rationalizing the situation. Alongside this, I would also consider a level of risk management in terms of airlines I fly with… there are certain airlines that I believe the best of the best fly… and also have a great deal of scrutiny placed on their training. In terms of the aircraft, I am not concerned in the slightest if it could handle turbulence or not…. It’s the pilots, technical functions and airline meteorologists that I would consider in the equation. Great comment Will! Thanks.

[@deanie54]

The worst turbulence I've ever experienced was on a short 30-minute flight from Ithaca, NY to Newark, NJ. It was a 6am flight and there were severe thunderstorms in the area. We were in a tiny CRJ-550, and for some reason, the pilots decided to fly through the storms, which happened to be right in the middle of the flight path. It was such a short flight that I assume they didn't have too many options. I'm already a fearful flyer and very weary of turbulence, so this flight was some of the worst and scariest 30 minutes of my life. The plane keep dropping and bucking like a horse, with really powerful bumps and people holding onto the seats in front of them. I just curled up in my seat, covered my ears, and counted down the minutes until we landed. Luckily we did, but I was on edge for the rest of the day. Thank god it was only a 30-minute flight!

[@IsaacNYC212]

I was recently on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to NYC. Upon our arrival over Canadian airspace, we encountered the the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, now a tropical storm. It was by far the bumpiest flight I’ve been on. The plane was swaying from left to right like a seesaw, and dipping like a bucking horse. It lasted for about 30 mins. Another time I was on a Delta flight from Miami to NYC. Upon final approach into LGA, I noticed that a storm was rolling into Manhattan from west to east. Just as we were about 100 ft from the runway. The picket had to abort the landing and we had to go around. By this time we were in the eye of the storm and the go-around was bumpy. Upon the second approach into LGA, we had to abort the landing again. At this point, the weather over LGA was so bad green flight was diverted to JFK. As scary as that flight was it was impressive how agile the plane was to go from landing speed and seconds away from landing to full thrust. The pilot's skills were on full display. It was scary and amazing at the same time.

[@LukeCrisp]

30 mins would feel like a long time to be getting bounced about in the plane. It’s crazy to think NOAA / Hurricane Hunters actually fly directly into these storms all for the purpose of research. Go arounds are fun!…. annoying if you need to be somewhere of course, due to adding more time to the flight. I agree though, the performance of the plane is really put on display… with full flaps and the plane being lighter due to fuel usage during flight… The planes just roar and pitch right up with ease haha! Thanks for the comment Isaac!

[@jpaleas]

I honestly believe that Delta pilots are top notch!

[@philhenderson3516]

@@jpaleas They are better compensated, yes, but from experience, United and JetBlue have the more skillful ones out of the domestics, followed by US Airways (now American), then Delta.

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

I flew from Denver to Las Vegas last fall and the turbulence was so bad at every altitude that after 45 minutes of shaking violently the pilot had to drop 10,000 feet and slow the plane down which increased the 1 hour and 20 mins flight to a full 2 hour flight. That was the most consistent turbulence I’ve every been in. It was unnerving to say the least as the passengers wee half scared and the other half played like they were on a roller coaster. That was on a Airbus 321.

[@lizmontana9177]

Im a Colorado Native & yrs flights out of Denver to Las Vegas are ALWAYS Bumpy! I have always been terrified of flying and I think it's from living in Denver my whole life experiencing the turbulence over the mountains has always scared me. What doesn't make sense about my situation is I love take off and Landing. I actually don't mind flying as long as there's no turbulence. But they're always is. Currently at the moment I'm living in Arizona and when you fly into here in the summertime at 120°, it is very very bumpy

[@emoney822]

Denver airport is bad for turbulence

[@davidhenry9054]

My worst experiences were also flying over mountains in and out of Denver. On one occasion the cabin steward hit the roof and had a significant cut in her forehead. She was OK, but....

[@lizmontana9177]

Yes its Always bad from Denver to Vegas . 🙉

[@lizmontana9177]

@@davidhenry9054 OMG.😱 I would probably Never fly again!

[@haroldlipschitz9301]

As a pilot, that turbulence actually wasn't very significant. Typical updraft activity when going through the tops of cumulus that are still growing. You will know the turbulence has become moderate when you can hear carts jostling around in the galleys. Also turbulence tends to get accentuated a bit in the 737 because the wing is pretty stiff compared to other models.

[@L-mo]

On one of my first transatlantic flights from London to Minneapolis when turbulence caused the overhead compartments to open and luggage started falling onto the passengers, I turned to the person next to me to ask if this was normal. He said it was. Well 50+ years of regular flights on this and other routes it's never happened again, so far! So I think the other passenger was just being nice.

[@LukeCrisp]

I think he was just keeping you at ease 😆 Thanks for Sharing!

[@peterc2248]

I know it sounds stupid but even watching that made my heartrate rise from 75 to 105bpm on my Apple watch! I used to fly between Perth and London regularly with no issue but now flying terrifies me. I have a short four hour flight coming up in June and I'm already anxious - I shall be downing whatever drugs I can get hold of to stop me climbing the walls 😞

[@mba0005]

This North Pacific between Alaska and Japan is where I’ve experienced the worst turbulence. It gets really bumpy, especially in the winter.

[@LukeCrisp]

I’ve never flown between those two but it doesn’t surprise me. Thanks for the comment Michael

[@kaypotter2867]

I've also heard that crossing the equator between USA and Oz can be very rough. An acquaintance flew the journey in an A380 and no meals were served during the whole 14 hours, it was that bad.

[@spark_6710]

@@kaypotter2867 That sounds like a he'll to me !! Lol Sorry that you had to experience all that !! 💜🥁🐉🎤✈️💞

[@spark_6710]

I am Japanese, you might be right !! Lol. I am gonna Google it ! 💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞

[@andiridha1663]

Am too scared...

[@Cl4rendon]

I`m from Europe and flights over the Alps or Pyrenees having jet wind conditions over them can get real nasty.

[@LukeCrisp]

Sheesh, yeah I could imagine! I’ve never been over that way but hopefully in the near future. Thanks for watching.

[@kriztoff1000]

Brisbane to cairns in 2010 absolute nightmare never in my life have I experienced anything like it , never been frightend after that flight nothing since has been anywhere near that awful day will always remember it . I was on a trip to see my brother who I had not seen for a while and had just arrived from England and was very tired .......I can tell you by the time I landed in cairns I was well awake 🙏🙏🙏

[@LukeCrisp]

Haha! Sounded like it was an experience Chris 😆 and still here 12 years later to tell the story. 🤙 Thanks for the comment

[@chingtheexplorer1578]

Oh, I hate turbulence. I also fly 2-4 x a year but still terrified by it. Turbulence usually happens upon crossing over seas (especially near the Equator), clouds & mountains. There is lots of turbulence around SE Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore), Japan, HK & China and around Greenland to Canada. Last July, we flew from Philippines to Dubai and there is so much lightning up in the sky. It was so bumpy until Thailand. This month, we flew from Seychelles to Qatar and there is around 2 hour of mild turbulence. I love travelling but I hate turbulence.

[@braidslikebrandy]

LA to Japan was rough for me!

[@neilcondron8315]

I flew from LHR on a Qantas 747 back in the 70s. After we left Singapore, en route to Sydney the plane was dropping and lifting so much that the tip of the wing was almost disappearing upwards and downwards. This went on for quite some time. That's when I realised how much flexibility there is in the fuel-loaded wings of these giant aircraft.

[@LukeCrisp]

The engineering behind planes really is incredible Neil… I remember watching a wing (stress test) of the 787 here on KZbin…. I believe it can flex around 25ft… sure that’s much more than other planes… but it’s quite incredible with the load wings can take through them. Cheers for the comment Neil

[@simonicer]

In my experience as a frequent traveller past 15yrs, the 3 areas where you can always count on experiencing pretty solid turbulence are; 1. Bay of Bengal 2. Uttar Pradesh, India south of Himalayas 3. Rockies in the U.S. I’d say its close to 90% hit ratio on moderate chops and 20% for heavy. Fortunately, I’ve been spared any extreme cases of CAT.

[@toyot034]

Yes I encountered some chop over the bay of bumps as it’s also known by!. The SIA A380 from LHR that we were on was being buffered about like some toy at some stages!

[@zz2muchsaucezz198]

And going to Hawaii

[@RealTalkWithSSG]

So true, I was travelling over the Bay, and even clear weather couldn't stop the plane from being jittery occasionally.

[@Richard-lp7pp]

It's strange for me.. I absolutely love planes always have done always will. As soon as I board a plane myself I am super anxious to the point I can't talk, I sweat like crazy, I wind myself up over any turbulence during flight, also super aware of anything happening in the cabin. Until we are actually on final approach I am comfortable. I'm slowly getting better the more I fly but people are surprised at how nervous I am when I'm known for aircraft spotting and YouTubing etc. I feel embarrassed but I am getting better. Flying fascinates me always has done always will. One day my goal is to fly solo :).

[@sagbeach1]

I have to say I am the same way when flying. I am fascinated w planes but getting on one gives me so much anxiety that I avoid it. I have to take an anti anxiety medication and even that barely works. I feel bad because my daughter always wants to travel but I usually put the damper on it cause of my intense fear of flying.

[@icwienergaming]

Exactly my people! I love aviation and go spotting often! I sweat and feel awful throughout the whole flight but generously love the final approach/landings.

[@gisellasturino2877]

Good luck!!

[@jpaleas]

Even with video stabilization I could tell that it got very choppy and uncomfortable! I’ve had a few flights like this and even worse in my experience as a passenger. I’ve flown nearly 1M miles and the worst I can remember was a flight on Delta from New Orleans to Atlanta about 20y ago,same factor as your flight explained by the captain! I’ll never forget it, quite scary... Everyone got really quiet I remember several people getting pale from fear and I got a nice little bruise on my arm from hitting the armrest several times not expecting the several severe drops ! I finally crossed my arms and closed my eyes. It lasted about half an hour and everyone survived LOL.

[@LukeCrisp]

Thanks for hanging around and listening to the part about video stabilization 😆 some people jump to conclusions quite fast and then comment. Half an hour is a decent session of turbulence… glad to hear you survived the ordeal 😆

[@rc70ys]

You’re in the hands of some of the best pilots in the world 🌎

[@LukeCrisp]

Absolutely!

[@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862]

……I can assure you, I loaded my pants because I really can’t deal with anything?

[@stevewilson8862]

Only a fool would penetrate cumulus clouds, especially the tops.

[@darren3179]

I fly frequently from Dallas to Manila as my wife is from the Philippines. Seems like going over Alaska and Japan things always get pretty bumpy for 30-40 Mins

[@LukeCrisp]

Lucky man! I used to do the same between Australia and China for my Fiancé! Little tough now because of the restrictions… I found around the Philippines sea got quite bumpy as well when heading back to OZ. Cheers for the comment!

[@Arkitekdj]

Denver has consistently provided me with heavy heavy turbulence throughout the years

[@barbaracameron5610]

Updrafts from mts. 2 of our fa's were hurt once during the updraft. They hit the ceiling in the galley and fell on the floor.awful!!

[@Troyboy2121]

Vegas in the summer is the worse turbulence I experience. Even when you expect it, it is still unsettling.

[@LukeCrisp]

A few people have actually mentioned Vegas in the comments! Super interesting 🤔

[@TimAlcoser]

I usually look at these titled videos sideways and with skepticism. But certainly, I think this qualifies as heavy turbulence. Must have been a heck of a ride.

[@LukeCrisp]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion… hence lot labelling it with (severe or moderate)… just my own words really 😆 It was a heck of a ride indeed! Cheers for the comment

[@justonsullivan3807]

The worst I have been in is Colorado Springs

[@stephanromeo684]

That’s not heavy turbulence. If it was you would not be able to record

[@LukeCrisp]

Don’t get me wrong Stephan, I am aware I was not on a NOAA flight hunting down a hurricane, however from my previous experiences of turbulence… reactions from people within the cabin… plus other videos I have seen on KZbin (where the title was named Heavy).. yet it was far less than this, taking into account image stabilization of the iPhone… it felt more appropriate to name it heavy rather than moderate… I appreciate your view point though. All the best!

[@kenholman8638]

Coffs Harbour to Sydney in Nov 2019. Flew into a storm front, I have never been as scared in my life. I was drenched in sweat when we landec

[@LukeCrisp]

That would have been on a light aircraft as well, possibly a Q400, hence you would have felt the bumps quite a bit more than a heavier aircraft 😆 Thanks for the comment Ken

[@seanryan435]

my worst so far was lightning storm retuning from Fiji, Nandi to MEL. Also a Southwest pilot announced prior to leaving the gate ALB for DFW that we were headed into bad weather and it would be BUMPY and anyone who wanted to change flights could exit aircraft now before doors closed. Result was ok crew did top job to go up and around, earnt their money that day.

[@LukeCrisp]

Can’t say I ever flown near or been around a lighting storm… those are actually dangerous… pretty sure Jetstar currently has a plane grounded due to a lightning strike..they can really mess the plane up. Haha! I’ve heard about southwest and that they crack jokes on the plane with passengers! We’re they being serious? 😆

[@raymondswift9332]

Flying into Wellington NZ turboprop plane all over the place kissed the tarmac after landing havent flown since that was 1979 aye I'm a big jessie🤣👌

[@LukeCrisp]

Hahaha mate Wellington says it all It isn’t the Windy City for nothing

[@davidmlaird2764]

Qatar Airways 2017 - Dublin to Doha. The turbulence got so bad that the pilot said in a rough but worried voice 'cabin crew be seated for turbulence'. We were flying over Ukraine at the time. I was worried because I remembered MH17

[@LukeCrisp]

Oh wow! yeah to be honest I think my mind would go there aswell… it’s unfortunate but I wouldn’t have been overly keen flying over there anytime after that event… and most likely in the future.

[@thetrueyorker]

Geez you experienced 10 seconds of turbulence phew. Try going through that for 30 minutes with idiots screaming all around you

[@LukeCrisp]

🤣 little more than 10 seconds thanks… I have also experience longer periods but only started to film my flight in recent years. Yeah… it’s like a chain reaction… one person screams they all do

[@matthewgrainger7059]

Nah you could still tell that was pretty bad. Yeah the pacific on the way to the US. Coming into Vegas and the big one, coming into Wellington

[@LukeCrisp]

Haha! Thanks man… some people act like whatever online. Dude… Vegas is a big one on here and Wellington is another.. so your on the ball. Cheers for the comment

[@wazakiYEAH]

As a nervous passenger that hates flying, I don't know if my noise cancellation headphone would help in this type of turbulence.

[@LukeCrisp]

Sorry to hear that. I think I’d rather look out the window as it helps with one’s equilibrium - sense that the plane is level and ok. The best way to overcome any anxiety related to planes is to learn about them… understand how safe they really are (compared to other forms of common transportation “cars” 😆) that’s all I could suggest. All the best!

[@JS-eo8ic]

Worse turbulence in all my flying experiences was landing in a thunderstorm at Chicago O’Hare. Never wish to experience turbulence like that again. I swear I saw the whole top of the cabin move in what I can only explain as a wave type movement. These planes are definitely built to endure.

[@braidslikebrandy]

Chicago was a rough trip for me too!

[@henrysantos121]

*Excellent.👌. videos*

[@shanehayes9349]

Not a fan of turbulence too. Just retired a few years ago from serving in the US Air Force...you would think it wouldn't bother me from all the international flights I've been on. Worst I've felt was flying out of Denver over the Rockies and feeling the plane just drop for 1-2 seconds what seems like an eternity! LOL

[@LukeCrisp]

Hahah! Ahh the drops… nah tbh I don’t think it makes a difference how many times you fly. I feel if I was in the cockpit and in control (which I’m not obviously 😆) but I’d be very chill depending on the severity… maybe just more focused? But ever since this video I’ve had a few more experience of light to moderate… I’m becoming more relaxed as I’ve learned more and more about it… but yeah still can feel slightly un easy - my mind is fighting itself with reasoning and what is logical etc 😆 I guess our brains know we are not exactly meant to be way up there haha!

[@orgas257]

Luke try flying during Indian monsoon in India. It will blow you out if you dislike turbulence.

[@LukeCrisp]

Haha! I enjoy it! So maybe that’s something to consider… I have flown during wet seasons in certain countries, so possibly somewhat similar! The rain is very different to what we get here in Australia that’s for sure!

[@neilcondron8315]

Reading some of the comments reminded me of a Rex Airlines flight into Sydney. The little Saab 340 was tossed round like a cork in the rapids as we lined up over Botany Bay. My wife grabbed my left arm, I was taking video with my right arm holding my small camera. Fairly bumpy ride!

[@zamar2158]

Always the worst turbulence has been over mountains. To San Fran/ to Vancouver over the Rockies; to Dubai over the Caucasus . Giant aircraft bucking like a bronco, coffee cups jumping on tray tables, steep drops, gasping pax, the whole kit and caboodle. Fun times. Oddly enough one of the smoothest was flying over the Himalayas. The jagged peaks looked so close.

[@LukeCrisp]

Hopefully there wasn’t any coffee in those cups! Flying over the Himalayas is a dream flight for me!

[@62aligirl]

Great video! The most turbulence I’ve encountered was from Manila to Sydney. I actually lost my breakfast and went quite green around the gills. Pilot Patrick Smith says that pilots understand the transition between smooth and rough air like we understand the difference between a sealed road and dirt road when driving.

[@LukeCrisp]

Thanks Ally! Interesting to hear how they might think of it, as compared to our perception.

[@Shurandy2]

Sunnyday flight (specially in summer) + clouds = turbulance . I mostly experience moderate turbulance landing in Zurich, Frankfurt (not that often) and simply flying with bad weather/strong winds (which we sadly cannot completely avoid for 100% unless the flight is cancelled)

[@Tanzman78]

I’ve lived all over the world, currently in UK, but most turbulent flight was Melbourne to Adelaide in the middle of summer, about 40 degrees and a thunder storm was brewing, we never came out of the clouds.

[@LukeCrisp]

That’s very close to home… I am living in Adelaide! Just shows it can happen anywhere. Thanks for the comment!

[@Emilysarah2000]

Landed in Brisbane through a thunderstorm… thought it was my last day

[@LukeCrisp]

Glad to hear you survived the ordeal 😆

[@mftalbot234]

Worst turbulence I've ever experienced was flying from Hawaii to Japan almost 40 years ago. The plane felt like it would drop 10 feet and then it felt like a hard landing - it felt like a car in one of those movie chases through San Francisco. I didn't feel aprehensive - I knew even then that we were very comfortably with the design envel;ope of the 747 I was on - but it was definitely uncomforable, especially since I sometimes get a little motion sick.

[@janneskogstrom5050]

return flights from ASIA to the USA over Alaska can sometimes be pretty rough in the winter time. flying over the Colorado Rockies can also be pretty rough.

[@LukeCrisp]

Yeah some of those mountain waves could certainly make things bumpy along the way. If it’s during the day, I’m sure flying over Alaska would be scenic. Thanks for the comment Janne.

[@francescopognante2132]

Looks similar to what I experienced during a flight from Austria (Vienna) to Milano, over the Alps. The flight was smooth but suddenly became very rough when the pilot had just started the descent and lateral winds were shaking the plane, I was hurled to my right side and luckily there was nobody sitting next to me, otherwise I would have ended up banging my head against another passenger. The good part was that it lasted no more than a couple of minutes, I didn't have the time to be really worried or scared. Better a short strong turbulence like this one than a flight of several hours constantly trembling and shaking, even if lightly.

[@mikepetitti]

Good video - and that is some quite some turbulence. Having lived in OZ for years, I found it pretty choppy at times coming into SYD, especially Sept/Oct. Vegas is always turbulent because it is surrounded by a mountain range. Rides to and/or over Japan can get very choppy as well. Pls keep posting and safe travels!

[@LukeCrisp]

I definitely have to agree with you in regards to Sydney… it’s really the only place during landing/takeoff where it has felt somewhat turbulent… including go arounds etc - in saying this I understand that a go around could be for various other reasons. Never flown into Vegas… last trip was on a bus.. so nice and smooth that day. Thanks Mike! I will do, off to Singapore/Malaysia next week so I’m looking forward to getting a bunch of videos up. All the best!

[@peterbremberg3900]

This is not more than moderate. Severe is quit different.

[@LukeCrisp]

I agree Peter, hence not using the title “severe”. Cheers, Luke

[@Anton-om5qf]

Flew Sydney to Hong Kong with no problem. Got back on board and my heart sank with 2 drunk Germans in front of us. After 15 mins the turbulence started. The loud germans became quiet. I had sore elbows from rubbing on seat rests(economy)

[@_MikeCanada]

Holy.... That's not fake, that's real heavy bumps...

[@AviationBlenheim]

The worst is always into Wellington Airport there is sometimes some hard drops in the Q300 or ATR in New Zealand btw

[@LukeCrisp]

Well it is the “Windy City” so I am not surprised, especially in the lighter aircraft. Wellington has always been on my list to go places… I’ve been to AKL and ZQN in NZ but never been to the capital.

[@AviationBlenheim]

@@LukeCrisp yeah it can be a bit of fun going Blenheim-Wellington on a bad day

[@degas]

Vegas…Thermals and wind sheer etc….Our left wing dropped right before touch down…last second go around. People praying, crying and puking. 2nd approach the pilot came in faster to battle the wind sheer I presume. We were tossed around for sure!!! Was thankful to have had a couple whiskey’s at altitude prior to service being shut down due to the turbulence…. 😉🙂 Ye-Haw 🤠

[@LukeCrisp]

Hahaha! The whiskey would have helped you stay nice and relaxed! 😆 about 4 weeks ago I flew Batik Air in Malaysia… first time hearing someone prey while boarding the flight… made me feel a little “hey how ya going” Cheers for the comment degas!

[@degas]

@@LukeCrisp Truth be told…I could have used more. Oh yeah that would be strange. Cheers

[@leticiaa4717]

That looked scary. It looks like the plane flew into a storm cloud. Good thing the pilots flew out of it. But yeah I hate turbulence. And im flying in two days to visit family. Hopefully there is no high turbulence during that trip. But, I am a bit worried it's been quite windy here.

[@LukeCrisp]

Hey Leticia, it was just the plane climbing up into faster moving winds. The same things happens sometimes on descent, except the other way around. There wasn't any storms, however Sydney seems to get a fair bit of turbulence. All safe and just a bumpy ride.. If it wasn't safe they wouldn't fly at all. Enjoy your trip! and have a great flight!

[@leticiaa4717]

@@LukeCrisp thanks. Glad it's mostly the climbing 😂

[@deanne9266]

Flying from LA to Denver in a holding pattern for 1 hour through severe thunderstorm. I was swearing and people were praying. Severe drops. It made me phobic of flying.

[@LukeCrisp]

I was walking on the bridge to the plane the other day and someone was preying behind me.. was with Batik Air… made me feel a little nervy 😆 safe to say I made it to the destination safely… enough.

[@neddiecn6343]

I've flown between the Middle East and Melbourne almost every time i fly between EU and Aus. (once on Qatar's 777, and multiple times on Emirates' A380s/777s). The most turbulence always happens when flying over the Indian Ocean and on decent into Dubai/Doha. Back in 2020 when i did MEL-HKG-LHR with Cathays' A350-1000, we had the usual bumps over China and Russia en-route to London. Other than that, I've not really had any bad turbulence experiences. Turbulence occurs in 99% of flights all around the world, so its something I've become used to.

[@LukeCrisp]

Mate 100% agree! Cheers for the comment

[@rc70ys]

I encountered the worst turbulence many times flying from Dubai to Sydney over the Indian Ocean But always on my return trip to Dubai from Sydney I don’t encounter any turbulence in the same area.

[@neddiecn6343]

@@rc70ys Yeah usually because the flight's from Dubai to Australia fly closer to India/Sri Lanka where there is always bad weather.

[@Husky60]

The worst turbulence I ever experienced was on the flight home from my honeymoon from Nassau, Bahamas to JFK. We were in an L10-11 which seats almost 400 people. We hit turbulence and would drop about 1000 ft in seconds. That plane was getting tossed around like it was nothing. I was so happy to be back on the ground when we landed and I came off the plane vowing to never fly again. This was my first time ever flying.

[@LukeCrisp]

Glad you got your honeymoon in before the flight 😆…. That is quite a large plane.. depending what year this was, I think radar technology has advanced dramatically since these days. As it’s a Lockheed L10.. I’m assuming this was 70s or 80s. Not the best flight for a first one… hoping you have had many pleasant flights since.. Thanks for sharing!

[@Husky60]

When I got to JFK I got off the plane and kissed the ground. Well my honeymoon was in 1985 so not sure what year the aircraft may have been.

[@Nadiaandherchildren]

I am so scared in this situation

[@LukeCrisp]

Sorry to hear that Nadia… All I can suggest is to research a little about turbulence.. and flight… and hopefully you can begin to rationalize the situation when it occurs next! Sometimes it depends who your sitting near as well… if your near people who are also scared and yelp… this will affect you negatively, however if your near someone like me 😆 I’ll be enjoying the ride and hopefully keeping everyone positive and relaxed! Thanks for the comment Nadia

[@MartinNeep]

The 737 has quite a stiff structure when compared to the A320 family, so you really feel every bump. Sitting aft of the wing is usually worse as the aircraft tends to fish-tail a bit, although the yaw damper does a fairly good job. I’ve had some rough rides crossing the Pyrenees in late summer/early autumn and also over the Bay Of Bengal.

[@LukeCrisp]

I can’t say I know a whole lot about the engineering that goes into making a Boeing or Airbus, but I’ll take your word for it Martin 😆 Yeah, I certainly felt the bumps… almost like a stiff suspension on a car or bike. Thanks for the comment Martin! Interesting!

[@cun7us]

I think you're right as I've noticed more turbulence on the 737 compared to the A320. In fact, Boeing planes in general including the 767 have weaker resistance to turbulence but are still safe.

[@branetraveler]

Always bumpy in the pacific around the equator. Worst I ever had was flying Dallas to Houston. Overhead compartments broke open with stuff flying around the cabin. Upon landing the DC-9 stopped at the end of the runway and was towed to the gate. Upon leaving it appeared the cockpit door was mid aligned and half open. Happy to be off that flight b

[@danandrews8102]

Worst turbulence ive ever experienced was an overnight flight back to London from LAX. Roughly halfway through the flight we had about 5 minutes of bad turbulence. People who was asleep was waking up and screaming, and i vividly remember people who was still awake and watching their TV’s the TV’s was flickering on and off. It wasn’t pleasant and i have flown that route many times. I have also experienced bad turbulence flying down to Greece from the UK as we was going over the Italian Alps.

[@SpringismySeason]

I was on a a 40 minute flight from SLC to Idaho Falls that was turbulent from take off to landing. The flight attendants were buckled in the entire time. I get anxiety just thinking about it. After I got off I had two martinis. There were several flights later that night on the same route that were cancelled. I nearly drove home after my business trip.

[@LukeCrisp]

Sounds like an experience Kerrie! It’s a shame you didn’t have the 2 martinis before the flight.. 😆 I don’t like the sound of take off to landing… even at 40 minutes… The good part is you will probably never experience the same level of turbulence.. or at least if you do, as un comfortable as it feels, just remember.. that these days… it’s never turbulence that brings a plane down.

[@amstergal]

I'm laughing only because I can relate, I had a 2 leg flight and the first leg was so turbulent I considered renting a car at the transfer airport and driving the hours and hours/days it would take to reach home. The man in the seat beside me convinced me to push on :)

[@mohitdas9772]

in Feb this year we were flying out of heathrow to New Delhi in a British Airways 777-200ER during storm Eunice(If you havent seen the videos of this id highly reccomend checking it out) on the ground it was blowing around 30 - 50kts with occaisional gusts as high as 70kts, so we had a really bumpy takeoff, however the worst was yet to come. After take off we entred a really powerful jet-stream which accelerated the aircrafts ground speed as high as 630kts!! or 724mph(1166kph). However this jet stream actually weakened abruptly over the Baltic Sea, and the tailwinds dropped from around 150kts to 40kts in the space of about 50miles, This caused a pretty rough ride with turbulence even reaching moderate. This led the captain to suspending in flight food and drink services till the ride got smoother. The absolute worst of the turbulence lasted for a 10 minute spell somwehre over latvia. I've experienced moderate turb before, but this time it was in completely clear air (CAT) and I had to put my Ipad away cuz i was worried it would go flying :)

[@LukeCrisp]

No, sorry I didn’t hear about this storm! I’ll have to look it up. However your story rings very similar to a flight I was on a couple of days ago! I was trying out Scoot airlines (Singapore-Sydney) and we had a very strong tail wind while inland over Australia… at one point (1224kph ground speed)…. I told my neighbor next to me.. I guarantee when we start to descend, we are going to get some bumps as we descend out of this fast moving air… and sure enough lol…. At some point quite moderate… although fun! She was quite happy I was sitting next to her and could explain the process and as to why it was happening. Thanks for the comment Mohit!

[@couchpotatoeschuh]

3 Years ago my grandma had a flight to the canary islands which faced a bad sand storm from the sahara right at this time ( calima). She was never a nervous flyer and always chill but she said the turbulences were so bad that the person next to her grabed her hand and seat and people were crying. They were not allowed to land so they had to turn around and fly home again because all the nearest airports were closed.

[@LukeCrisp]

Fancy someone grabbing your poor grandma! 😆 what a trip! Takeoff and land at the same airport… hopefully it wasn’t a long flight!

[@couchpotatoeschuh]

@@LukeCrisp It would have been a 5,5 h flight which became something around 7-8 hours. We were the ones to take her to the airport and pick her up hours later. I'm a nervous flyer and even the smallest turbulences are a nightmare for me. So hearing the story right after it happend was terrible for my flight anxiety as she told me everything in detail how the people cried and screamed :D

[@LukeCrisp]

@@couchpotatoeschuh Ohhh no!!! I was hoping it was just a short flight! That’s insane! Your poor grandma! I find the more you know about turbulence… aircraft… etc… you can begin to rationalize the situation… for example, recently on a flight back from Singapore to Sydney, we encountered moderate turbulence… and I was expecting it (I won’t go into the details why 😆) but I managed to inform my neighbour who was concerned about it, as to why it was happening and why there isn’t any reason to be concerned. They were happy to be sitting near me 😆 and ended up enjoying the bumps with me… it’s actually in a video I have coming up on a few weeks.

[@aussiepilot2979]

Great vid and thanks for sharing, reading peoples comments on turbulence is always an interesting insight. Having some 30+ years flying both as pilot and pax, I don't mind turbulence that much but always remain alert when the dinks cart with hot kettles is near by. Perhaps the worst I have ever experienced (as a passenger) was in the early 90's heading into Melbourne aboard an Ansett A320, we got hammered from about 7000ft till touchdown. The overhead bins popped open, peoples bits and pieces were strewin all over the aircraft, there were many screams, people crying, swearing with even the Hosties looking worried. Mind you, I was parked at the back in the last row (the worst place to be, except for the crew seats!) the only thing that had me on edge was the sound of the airframe taking all the stresses, I could hear the vertical stabilizer stressing and creaking along with the rest of the empannage (back of plane). Not having much actual flight experience as a pilot in those days, I was a little unnerved by it but knew the plane was up to the job. The pilots did a go-round on first attempt to land as the plane was tackling significant crosswind, you could actually hear the wind rushing the side of the plane! The final landing was very professional and made use of another runway, the windsock was straight out and swinging wildly, all regional flights were cancelled that day and for good reason!

[@j2msu341]

July 1991 from Belfast to larnaca,Cyprus,in the middle of the aggean sea,it was by far the worst turbulence I have ever experienced,my father and I were seated in the front row and as they were about to serve drinks it started without any warning,the trolley hit the ceiling and the air hostess fell into my lap I gladly held onto her for dear life for what was the longest 60 seconds of my life ! Not turbulence related but I had an engine failure 10 seconds after take off ,Rhodes island to Gatwick, London,emergency landing in Athens,horrendous experience ,not being able to control your own destiny go me is a scary thing !!!!

[@LukeCrisp]

July 1991 was when I was born 😆 I’m not sure what weather radar or forecasting capabilities they had back then? These days, for example yesterday during my flight there was forecasted turbulence hence no hot drink service! Wouldn’t complain too much about the hostess falling onto your lap 😉 haha! Aircraft engine failure or a bird strike in an engine would be scary for sure! Most commercial aircraft outside of a380/747 Ofcourse only have one more.. I’d be staring out the other engine just hoping that one stays well and good! Thanks for the stories J2!

[@kenpalmer1965]

The worst experience for me was on a flight from Phoenix, Arizona to San Antonio, Texas in June of 1994. During the last 15 or 20 minutes or so, we hit much turbulence on final approach. We dropped at least 4 times and people screamed! It was bumpy all the way in including when touching down on the runway. It was pretty nerve racking!

[@gilliantracy7991]

Breezy and bumpy for sure. But @5:30 when you break out on top, the view is worth it!

[@ruchirkatyal9992]

18-06-2023 between Chandigarh and Mumbai (on IndiGo A320neo) 15-04-2024 between Chandigarh and Mumbai before landing (on IndiGo A321neo)

[@skunkrepo2467]

Arvo from USA I actually like turbulences especially over the ocean. Last year my brother and I flew to Melbs for 2.5 weeks. That visit before into Oz I had a seizure episode which I don't remember much. I was immediately transferred to a local hospital. Do remember staff had hard times getting ahold of my USA doctor from day and time difference. This time we'll be going to Sydney in May.

[@CS-np2oo]

As an Flight Dispatcher in America, I'm not surprised. He looked like he was among the clouds and not sure of the ti,e of year, but it looked warm. Clouds like that in warm weather are most surely containing updrafts ( Think cumulus and thunderstorms ). At the end of the video it looked as if he were trying to climb above the clouds. You' ll find a bit more stable air above the clouds thought CAT ( Clear air turbulence) can occur anywhere. In THE US you'll find turbulence everywhere anytime of the year. Definitely in the south I. Late afternoons when the earth warms. When the air warms, that air rises and it gets bumpy. You fly out west here over Arizona and Phoenix...be prepared to thrown around. As dispatchers, we do our best to plan flights at altitudes to give the smoothest flights possible for crew and passengers.

[@bobbyricigliano2799]

I recall several instances of very rough turbulence where I looked up from my book, smiled reassuredly to those around me, and resumed reading the same page over and over while desperately wishing for smoother air.

[@gupndors]

The bumpy ride you had was as you flew through the clouds, once the plane flew above them you were fine. I flew Montreal to London about 15 years ago and they couldn't serve food or drinks the entire flight due to clear air turbulence and the plane shook dipped and swayed until we reached land. After that flight, no others have seemed even close to bad. I did have a quite exciting flight last year where the plane hit an air pocket trapped between the mountains on pula croatia runway and the pilot couldn't put the plane down, so we had to abort and go around. Never a moments worry though, I've had much closer shaves when driving my car.

[@LukeCrisp]

Not quite.. it was bumpy outside and inside the clouds… the first bigger bump wasn’t in the clouds. I also enjoy it! Recently I had a flight back from Singapore (SYD-SIN) and upon descent we had some nice moderate turbulence… was great fun… although I do prefer it during the day when I can see outside, otherwise I can feel a little funny with my motion after the flight. Thanks for the comment!

[@freedomfighter6838]

@@LukeCrisp Now you just sound like a complete dolt - you are clearly uncomfortable, confused, possily even your fearless buttlhole puckered up a little. You even admit how unnerving it was, now its great fun. Turbulence takes down planes thats why pilots avoid at all costs and the industry, boomers, friends. you, etc have told us TURBULENCE HAS NO EFFECT ON THE PLANES FLYING CAPABLITIES - WELLLLLLLLLLL YES IT DOES AND ITS A VERY REAL THREAT AS YOU KNOW....

[@footprintsandshadows2024]

The worst turbulence so far I've experienced was when I flew to Taiwan from Manila on Oct. 2023 via CebuPacific. The plane's quiete shaking but it didn't bothered me at all since I knew the plane can withstand it and the pilots were trained for that, tho the panicking of the passengers sometimes contributes to the fear but its understable. Anyway, a flight where you all deplane alive is a good flight. God bless.

[@Klink330]

Anytime the cloud tops are as ragged as those were, you can expect some pretty decent bumps flying through them. It's never a safety issue though - the ragged nature of them is the visual indication of the changing winds around them; that being the cause of the turbulence you felt.

[@eranbenavraham]

I hate flying through those type of clouds. Bad turbulence between Sydney and Gold Coast, Dubai and Belgrade, Sydney to LA, Vienna to Stockholm, Sao Paulo to Barcelona, Sydney to Dubai and Tokyo to Sydney. These were all my sectors with heavy turbulance. Lways get turbulence over Bay of Bangal.

[@michaelfesta9289]

I was on the United flight out of Newark, headed for San Juan Puerto Rico, and we hit clear air turbulence as they were serving dinner and it was very frightening. The plane just started falling from the sky ,Baggage departments were coming down. It was very frightening , I saw the fear in the stewardess face

[@Worldtraveler2003]

The worst I have ever experienced was last month.. I was flying from Orlando to Austin in the US … while the flight itself was quite rough it was not the worse in flight turbulence at altitude I have ever experienced .. it was a 3 hour plus flight as we had to fly around storms … the landing was the WORST.. the flight attendants could not get up and we had no service during the flight maybe 15 min of the flight with the seatbelt sign off.. as we approached the captan gave the usual warning of you have 10 min and then everyone has to sit including the flight attendants.. then the flight attendant came on and said do not get up it is going to be bumpy that when I knew we were in trouble I had never heard that before … we got to about 12,000 feet and all hell broke loose.. even my husband looked worried… I hate turbulence and was praying holding the strangers hand next to me as well as my husband… the cabin was dead silent except for two ladies… we ended up landing in 40 mph winds… something I hope to never repeat.

[@ShaneDR009]

Well, I'm scared of flying. Any turbulence, even the "driving along a bumpy road" kind freaks me out, but I'm learning more about it and how safe flying is in preparation for my next flight - whenever that might be. The word turbulence doesn't worry too much though. A much scarier word in regards to air flight is "cost-cutting".

[@drayner2517]

Ex FA who was based in WLG NZ for 13 years. The two worst turbulence experiences I had were on descent into Melbourne and descent into Auckland. Even the Capt on the Auckland flight said he had never experienced anything like it!

[@LukeCrisp]

13 years of experience and countless flights… great to have your perspective in the comments here. As soon as you mentioned based in WLG, I assumed it would have been descent into the Windy City… and if the captain mentioned that, It certainly says something 😆 Thanks for the comment!

[@barbaracameron5610]

Yes many captains have never experienced it. I'm retired fa and we had severe turbulence yrs ago. Felt like God was playing with aircraft.shaking it. Our captain said that if we had dropped more,we would have hit Sierra Nevada mts. 1 plane out of Reno. Our capt notified at of turbulence. Thought we were going to die. Dropped few thousand ft.

[@MrOilpainter]

The worst turbulence I experienced is flying over the US in the summer. The heat, humidity, and massive thunderstorms often make for a very bumpy ride. I prefer to fly in the US when it's cooler out.

[@celderian]

I think you guys just flew straight through convective activity. That cumulus may have been on its way to become a storm cloud. That's why I tend to avoid mid-day flights whenever I can.

[@karinglass5872]

Lately flying the MAX Ind to Sea has had the worst turbulence. I now sit in row 11 and 12 and it is stabilizing! Never again in the back of the plane.

[@marcoantoniomoncada1167]

The worst I experienced was few mins after a take off in vienna. Fortunately we were still all belted otherwise would have hit the roof (violently). Alps are always bumpy but that was really rwally bad and scary, and after that experience I am a little more scared of flying... Ps frequent flier here I got the black cards of Alitalia, Lufthansa and Iberia...

[@adamho8081]

I would say flying from LAX to Brisbane or Sydney.....right around Hawaii. Its bad turbulence when an A380 is shaking! Seems to always be bumpy around that part of the flight path.

[@warrenfreitag8631]

For worst turbulence, two flights come to mind: - August 1995: flying in a turbo-prop from Ottawa to Montreal, Canada. 30 minute flight, but probably the most unnerving 30 minutes as we flew through a thunderstorm. Even the flight attendants looked nervous as they tried to announce our descent over the intercom. - April 2012: San Francisco to Philadelphia red-eye. About an hour before landing the cabin shook violently. I assume it was a bad storm below but too dark to discern.

[@cathalmacsiurdain7762]

I bet people were happy they had their brown underpants on. Great images by the way. Thanks. P.S. Only fly with Zanax in my system.

[@beagle7622]

Not so much bad but unexpected. London Heathrow after a smooth flight from Stockholm heading east to turn onto runway 09R . All of a sudden the plane jolted a lot of passengers screamed . The plane seem to move in all directions and it would have been very rough if it lasted very long. It was wake turbulence from another aircraft. It does happen quite often on that approach I have since found out . I did sit up & take notice that’s for sure.

[@annaninito3918]

I love turbulence. When that happens, I feel alive.

[@michaelfesta9289]

Turbulence is the hot air that is rising from the earth’s surface combined with wind 🌬️ gusts

[@marionthompson3365]

Denver to Honolulu, worst turbulence ever and been nervous ever since. Wellington to Auckland always bad though short haul. Singapore to Cairns, horrible. Sydney to Brisbane and back is often nasty.

[@claudiayapgsell105]

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Perth was a super rocky Flight all the Way. Very Strong Winds... anyway survived it❤

[@samirmanohar573]

Turbulence is that which results in the Airplanes Wings start Flapping Like that if a Bird 🕊️ , experience partial weightlessness and partial multiple Gforces , And for those not strapped in. Beyond words

[@brian402]

RE: Bad turbulence.....It was quite some time ago but i was on a flight from Sydney to Christchurch,we were flying over the southern alps of the south island & some bad turbulence started and the plane dropped altitude and was thrown around quite a bit.,the funny part of this was.There was a woman who just came out of the toilet looking as white as a ghost during the turbulence when trying to return to her seat,and at the time she was returning back to her seat.,we hit more rough turbulence and those oxygen mask suddenly dropped out of the ceiling dangling above our heads.Naturally everyone went to grab the mask and start breathing through them thinking this was normal procedure.Plane landed in Christchurch 20 minutes later.