Pilot Reveals Worst Time Of Day To Fly

A pilot has revealed the worst time of day to fly - especially if you're a nervous traveller - saying it's all down to when we can expect 'bumpier air'.

Even the biggest thrill-seekers out there will probably admit to feeling a bit anxious when flying, whether it's the turbulence that does it or the anticipation of a rocky landing.

But there are ways to help yourself out, according to a group of pilots who recently shared their top tips and insider secrets with Reader's Digest.

Jerry Johnson, an airline pilot from Los Angeles, believes there's a time of day that tends to involve a less bumpy ride.

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"If you're a nervous flyer, book a morning flight," he said.

"The heating of the ground later causes bumpier air, and it's much more likely to thunderstorm in the afternoon."

Another unnamed pilot also suggested that people should sit in the back if they always feel cold.

The tech pilot, who works at a regional airline in Texas, said: "The general flow of air in any airplane is from front to back. So if you're really concerned about breathing the freshest possible air or not getting too hot, sit as close to the front as you can. Planes are generally warmest in the back."

As for the smoothest place to sit? That's apparently often over or near the wing.

Pilot Patrick Smith said: "The bumpiest place to sit is in the back. A plane is like a seesaw. If you're in the middle, you don't move as much."

Smith also explained that turbulence isn't dangerous, despite how scary it can seem - admitting that pilots only really try and avoid it because it can be 'annoying' to fly through.

He said: "Pilots find it perplexing that so many people are afraid of turbulence. It's all but impossible for turbulence to cause a crash. We avoid turbulence not because we're afraid the wing is going to fall off but because it's annoying."

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Last year, another pilot told LADbible that the best spot on a plane also comes down to 'common sense', agreeing with Smith by saying that the middle is a good place to be.

Nick Eades - who is the world's most experienced Boeing 747 pilot - explained that there isn't necessarily a 'safest' place to sit, but that you can put yourself in a 'good position'.

He said: "Sitting at the front of the plane is as safe as sitting at the back, and vice versa."

Eades continued: "Always offer to sit by the emergency exits because - as long as you're able-bodied - I think probably the best seats are the ones closest to the exits.

"Then if there is an abandoned take-off [or] there is catastrophic failure, you can either help people out or be the first to get out of the aeroplane yourself. You're in a very good position.

"It's common sense, if you think about it."