Expert’s Genius Trick That Helps With In-Flight Turbulence

This one genius hack can help you tune out rough air and put an end to an unproductive, anxious, or sleepless flight.

For many passengers, turbulent flights are synonymous with anxiety, discomfort, and a racing heart. The unexpected jolts can turn even seasoned travelers into reluctant flyers. 

Airplane turbulence is often terrifying because it creates a feeling of lack of control, as passengers are told to fasten their seatbelts, stow tray tables, and not move about the cabin. They are unable to see the cause of the sudden movements and don’t know how severe the rough air may or may not be. Additionally, they are confined in a relatively small space and experience unexpected jolts and dips, which can trigger a fear response in the brain. 

While severe turbulence can be dangerous to air passengers not wearing a seatbelt, aviation safety experts say death or injury resulting from turbulence remains rare. But let’s face it: even imagining you are just going over a bumpy road or reciting air safety stats to yourself, don’t turn off the worry button.

According to one expert, there’s a simple and little-known solution that can ease the turbulence-induced dread: noise cancelation technology. Specifically, Apple’s AirPods with active noise cancelation are supposedly a powerful tool for staying calm and comfortable in the skies.

“Not only does noise-canceling technology block out sound—it also helps block out the stress that comes with it,” says Mark Stallings, co-founder of Casely, a dynamic online retailer specializing in phone cases, power pods, and more.

5 Ways Noise-Canceling AirPods Can Make Flying Stress-Free

Here, Mark outlines five ways the noise cancellation feature can help passengers ride out turbulence more peacefully:

1. Psychological Comfort

The roaring engines and unsettling clatter of an aircraft during turbulence amplify anxiety for many passengers. Noise cancelation reduces this auditory chaos by creating a bubble of calm. 

“When you eliminate that low-frequency rumble, your brain feels less overloaded, and you can focus on other activities to get your heart rate down,” explains Mark.

2. Sound Isolation

Turbulence also often comes with the jarring sound of overhead storage rattling and nervous chatter from fellow passengers. Noise-canceling AirPods can act as a buffer, muting these external distractions. 

“It’s like hitting a mental reset button,” says Mark. “The isolation allows you to concentrate on a podcast, audiobook, or even your own thoughts, rather than the unsettling noises around you.”

3. Improved Sleep

On a turbulent flight, restful sleep can seem impossible, especially with sudden bumps interrupting your slumber. Turning on noise cancelation can minimize external interruptions and let passengers drift off more easily. Light sleepers, in particular, can benefit from this feature as their brains are no longer processing every little sound.

4. Reduced Fatigue

Constant exposure to engine noise during turbulence can cause sensory fatigue, leaving passengers drained. 

“Noise cancellation isn’t just about minimizing sound—it’s about conserving energy,” Mark says. “When your ears aren’t straining to filter out noise, you will arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed.”

5. Enhanced Focus on Distractions

Flyers often rely on distractions like calming music, mindfulness apps, or in-flight entertainment to ease turbulence anxiety. Noise cancelation makes these activities even better by filtering out background noise so that it becomes easier to lose yourself in what you’re doing and forget about the bumpy ride.

“The combination of engine roars, rattling cabin noises, and the overall chaos of a bumpy flight can heighten anxiety for a lot of passengers. Noise-canceling technology provides a sense of calm by cutting through these disruptive sounds. 

Mark concludes: “In addition to being incredibly convenient, noise cancelation is a game-changer for air travel, especially during turbulence.

“What makes noise-canceling AirPods particularly valuable is their lightweight versatility. When you’re in an environment where you can’t control much, having something as simple as noise cancellation can help you feel in control of your mental state. For frequent flyers or even those who dread turbulence, this small investment can make a significant difference in how they experience travel.”