questions on what to expect

[m5todel]

Hello Everyone, I have more questions again! We will be flying out on July 4th from SFO at about 12 am in the morning to Dallas Texas and then catching a 10 amish flight from Dallas to Nassau on a Continental flight that is about 75 to 100 people. What kind of turbulence can we expect at that time? I have been watching weather reports for that region and it nothing but thunderstorms. I have flown through thunderstorms in a plane that large (75 to 100) before from Prague to Venice and was not a happy camper (crying) with all the drops (the flight attendant had a bandage on his head due to the turbulence). I would like to know what to expect to prepare myself. I will be seeing a behavioral psychologist prior to the flight to help me and am also taking lorazapam (have taken it previously to help with the physical symptoms). Also, we will be flying on a Beech 1900 from Nassau to long island in the bahamas. What do you predict that will be like and what is the history of these planes. Also, if I wanted to meet the pilots for continental prior to the flights, how do I go about that? Thanks so much! I appreciate any and all support!:grouphug:

[mkahanek]

about that itenarary? CO does not fly to nassau out of dallas.. Unless you are going Dallas to houston.

[m5todel]

sorry about that, we are flying out of houston:) Would you be able to answer any of my questions:) Anything would help:)

[Barb-SAN]

We will be flying out on July 4th from SFO at about 12 am in the morning to Dallas Texas and then catching a 10 amish flight from Dallas to Nassau on a Continental flight that is about 75 to 100 people. What kind of turbulence can we expect at that time?

Captain Hutch may be out on a trip right now (holiday weekend....:) ).

My guess is that you have picked the best flight times for minimizing turbulence that you could, considering you are doing the whole trip in one day. Usually the night flights are less turbulent...and you will be going over the Rockies around, what, 2AM or so? Flying out of Dallas at 10 AM...still less likely to have turb. than later in the day.

If you really want to study it scientifically...start tracking your flights, and look at the turbulence reports for your flight times. Remember that every day has its unique weather, so you will only learn some general things about turbulence, and where the plane flies to find the smoothest air.

Still, I've found it reassuring to see, over and over, how the planes avoid the thunderstorm cells. Seeing that on the radar has helped me to believe that things will be fine on my flight, and that the pilots will give us the smoothest ride they can find.

It's also important to remember than even though you can't control the turbulence the plane experiences, you do have control over how you respond to it. Be sure to pay attention to the seat belt signs too, and stay seated when those signs are lit for your safety.

"the flight attendant had a bandage on his head due to the turbulence" Would it be more accurate to say that the flight attendant had a bandage on his head because he hit it against something in the cabin, as he was not seated and buckled in when the plane hit turbulence???

[mkahanek]

So.. Looks like you will be on am Embraer ERJ-145. That is a regional jet with 50 seats. Not a bad plane. Can fly as high and fast as any other jet. If there is turbulence it is a little more noticeable in this plane due to its size. That DOES NOT MEAN it is less safe. It is just like going over a speed bump in a sports car as opposed to a lincoln town car. That is really the only difference.

I have been doing the Houston to Florida route for the last 10 weeks or so. Basically the same route you will be taking to Nassau. It has been fairly smooth except at lower altitudes in the houston area. But, even then mild bumps at best. You shouild be fine. I spent all of 2005 and 2006 on Continental Express ERJ's. While they are not super comfortable to me from a seat size stand point they were fine from a safety standpoint.

What is your connection time in Houston? If you are on midnight SFO-IAH that puts you in Houston around 6 am.

[m5todel]

Hi thanks so much for your replies! You are very helpful:) I have another question for you. Where is the best place to sit in a plane with regards to turbulence and less vibration? I am really sensitive to all changes that occur on the plane and have not found a great seat yet:) Also, have any of you had any experience in the beech 1900 before? Thanks again.

[mkahanek]

seats 12 A,B, or C. Those are exit row seats which are over the wing. Good place to be to avoid side to side motion. If you are motion sensitive avoid the back of the plane as you can feel side to side more there.

However, Note that 12 AB and C are only availbable to CO Gold and Plat elites until 24 hours before the flight. At the 24 hour mark anyone can get them with the on line check in option. But of course 11 or 14 etc will be fine as well from a motion standpoint. 12 just offers another 5 inches of leg room

[m5todel]

Thanks again! It is really nice of you to respond so quickly:) :blush:

[Captain Hutch]

Looks like I got in here a bit late--you guys are great taking[flight]up the slack.

Well done! :tiphat:

Captain Hutch