Rough Skies Ahead
Unveiling the Chaos: The World's Most Tumultuous Flights
Smooth flights are usually the norm, but certain factors can disrupt even the calmest of journeys. Turbulence, a common annoyance for travelers, is often caused by mountains, storms, or powerful jet stream currents[1][2]. It's no surprise then, that rocky ranges feature prominently in a new list of flight routes that had the most turbulence in 2024[1].
According to flight tracker site Turbli.com, the Andes in South America and the Himalayas in Asia were recurring factors in the bumpy routes featured in its top 10[1]. After analyzing 10,000 routes connecting 550 of the world’s largest airports, the site found that the 196-kilometer (122-mile) trip between Mendoza (MDZ) and Santiago (SCL) was the route most prone to turbulence[1].
This journey starts in Argentina’s stunning Mendoza region, famous for wine, olive oil, and outdoor pursuits like mountaineering, rafting, and horse riding[1]. It then flies west over the Andes to Santiago, the Chilean capital, which sits in a valley surrounded by the snowy Andean peaks and the Chilean Coastal Range[1].
Lately, extreme weather events, like the LA wildfires, have been making headlines[1]. Scientific analyses suggest that rising temperatures might be contributing to an increase in severe "clear air" turbulence, which strikes fast and offers no visual cues[1]. While incidents are predicted to rise, experts assure us that it doesn’t mean flying will be less safe.
Mixed Behavior in the Skies
There have been some unusual incidents this month in the world of travel, both good and bad. On a JetBlue flight, a passenger was arrested for opening the emergency exit door[1]. Meanwhile, a man was caught with a crocodile skull in his luggage in Delhi, and a woman was stopped in Germany with nearly 200 pounds of luxury chocolate from Dubai[1]. Despite the misbehavior, there have also been heartwarming tales. A United Airlines pilot raced through a Texas airport to surprise an old friend, and a Delta Air Lines crew helped reunite a mother and daughter for a precious final goodbye[1].
Health and Wellness on the Go
Plenty of idyllic Italian villages with aging populations have made headlines recently[1]. One town in Calabria has taken an unusual step, banning its residents from falling ill[1]. In Germany, doctors can prescribe four-week spa breaks to frazzled parents[1]. To help avoid ailments while traveling, compression socks are highly recommended[1].
Unusual Catches and Travels
A massive bluefin tuna, weighing 608 pounds (276 kilograms), was sold for $1.3 million in Tokyo's Toyosu fish market on January 5[1]. This was the second-highest price on record for the fish, which is seen by locals as a sign of new year "good luck."
In Other News
This year saw a newborn pygmy hippo named by 116,000 fans worldwide, and changes to travel requirements for visitors to the United Kingdom[1]. Nearly two-thirds of a certain country’s population is younger than 25, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure[1].
[1] Enrichment Data: Turbulence on flights is primarily caused by several factors, including mountains acting as barriers, powerful jet stream currents, storms, and clear air turbulence. Expert opinions suggest that rising temperatures might contribute to increased severe "clear air" turbulence, which can strike quickly and offer no visual cues.
[2] Enrichment Data: The most turbulent flight routes in 2024, according to Turbli.com, included the Mendoza (MDZ) – Santiago (SCL) route, with a score of 24.684 EDR. Other turbulent routes were primarily located over mountainous regions.
Travelers should be aware of the potential for turbulence on flights, as new data shows that certain routes, like the one between Mendoza and Santiago, are more prone to it. According to recent news, extreme weather events could be contributing to an increase in severe clear air turbulence.

