Even on the clearest of days an airplane can hit turbulence and turbulence can occur at any time during a flight.  Turbulence is gauged by its extreme, moderate, medium, and severe but even moderate turbulence is enough to rattle an adult or toss a child. Airplanes are built to endure turbulence and thankfully new systems are being developed to help forecast turbulence, but for now we have to rely on experience.   Clear air turbulence (CAT) occurs when masses of moving air meet, they are referred to as clear air because there is no visual sign such as clouds. Often but not always, turbulence can be a result of jet stream but a rocky patch in the sky can also occur at lower altitudes, especially above mountainous terrain.  These are some reasons the seat belt sign is illuminated for most of the flight.  While it is important, especially for older folks to stretch the legs, it is just as important to pay attention to the seat belt sign.

Fly Safe and Go Momo.