That sudden little bump on approach: wake turbulence
Every airplane leaves a swirl of air behind it. Here's why controllers space airplanes apart, and why a brief jolt is normal.
In this article · 4 sections
What it is
According to the FAA, every aircraft generates wake turbulence while flying. As the wings make lift, two swirling vortices trail behind the airplane, spinning in opposite directions.1 Think of the wake behind a boat.
Why you rarely notice it
Because everyone knows it's there, the system is built around it. Air traffic controllers apply spacing procedures behind larger aircraft, and pilots who are following another airplane visually take responsibility for avoiding its wake.1 That spacing is one reason arrivals at busy airports are lined up minutes apart, not seconds.
If you do feel it
Occasionally an airplane brushes the edge of another's wake. It usually feels like a short, sharp bump or a quick roll that the airplane (or autopilot) corrects within seconds. It feels dramatic because it's sudden, but it's a known effect that pilots are trained for.1
As with any turbulence, the simple protection is the same: keep your seat belt fastened whenever you're seated.2
The calm takeaway: wake turbulence is expected, controllers space flights to manage it, and a brief bump on approach is normal.
Keep reading
- Turbulence, explained
- What air traffic controllers do for your flight
- Air pockets, explained
- The in-flight pack has a breathing timer for bumpy moments, and 7 days to your flight covers turbulence on Day 2.
Quick answers
What is wake turbulence?
The swirling air an aircraft leaves behind as its wings make lift: two vortices trailing from the wings, spinning in opposite directions, like the wake behind a boat.
Why did we hit a sudden bump on approach?
It may have been the edge of another airplane's wake. It usually feels like a short, sharp bump or quick roll that the airplane corrects within seconds.
Is wake turbulence dangerous?
It's a known, expected effect. Controllers space airplanes behind larger aircraft and pilots are trained for it.
How do I protect myself from turbulence on approach?
Keep your seat belt fastened whenever you're seated. That's the FAA's main advice for any kind of turbulence.
Sources
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Facts last checked against these sources: October 19, 2026.