A notebook of ordinary things
Is this normal?
Tap whatever you're hearing or feeling. Each note is a short version of one of our sourced explainers, so you can read the full story when you land.
Overheard at 35,000 feet
The engines got quieter soon after takeoff
Climb
Normal.
Pilots often reduce from takeoff power to a climb setting once safely airborne. The engines aren't failing; they're being managed, and it's quieter for people on the ground.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →A thunk and rumble just after liftoff
Climb
Normal.
That's the landing gear folding up into its bays and the gear doors closing.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →A whirring or grinding noise from the wings
Climb & descent
Normal.
Flaps and slats (extensions on the wings that help the airplane fly slowly) move in stages after takeoff and before landing.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →A barking or buzzing sound while taxiing
On the ground
Normal on some Airbus jets. It's often a hydraulic power transfer unit balancing pressure between hydraulic systems while one engine is running.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →The cabin lights flickered or went quiet at the gate
On the ground
Normal.
Power is switching from the auxiliary power unit (APU) or ground power to the engines.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →Bumps and shaking in turbulence
Cruise
Uncomfortable, but airliners are built to handle far more than normal turbulence. The NTSB found turbulence accidents almost always involved injuries inside the cabin, generally with no damage to the airplane. Keep your seat belt on whenever you're seated.
Read more: Turbulence, explained →The wings are bending up and down
Cruise
They're meant to. Wings are designed to flex so they absorb gusts smoothly, like a car's suspension.
Read more: Common questions →We're flying in circles before landing
Arrival
Normal.
That's a holding pattern, a routine air traffic tool when more airplanes want to land than the airport can take at that moment. US airline fuel rules require reserves for exactly this kind of delay.
Read more: Holding patterns →The engines went almost silent at the start of descent
Descent
Normal.
Airplanes often descend with the engines near idle, almost like gliding downhill.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →We were about to land, then the engines roared and we climbed
Landing
That's a go-around: a normal, practised maneuver. The pilots decided conditions weren't just right for landing, so they climbed away to try again. It's a safety choice, not an emergency.
Read more: Go-arounds →The landing was really firm
Landing
Often on purpose. On short, wet or gusty runways, pilots are trained to put the airplane down firmly so the tires grip and the brakes and spoilers work right away.
Read more: Common questions →A loud roar right after touchdown
Landing
Normal.
That's reverse thrust helping to slow the airplane, together with the spoilers popping up on the wings.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →I think we were struck by lightning
Weather
Lightning strikes on airliners are relatively common and rarely significant. The airplane's skin conducts the current around the cabin and critical systems. You may see a flash or hear a bang, and usually that's all.
Read more: Lightning and airplanes →A 'ding' chime in the cabin
Any time
Normal.
Pilots and flight attendants use chimes to communicate. One or two chimes after takeoff often means the crew can get up and start service.
Read more: Normal sounds on a flight →Rule of thumb
If the crew are calm and continuing their normal routine, the noise you heard was routine too. Flight attendants are happy to explain. Feeling tense? Try the breathing exercise.
Worried by something in the news rather than on board? Read Is it safe to fly right now?
Heard something that isn't here? Ask about it.