Is this normal? · Climb & descent
A whirring or grinding noise from the wings
Short answer
Normal. Flaps and slats (extensions on the wings that help the airplane fly slowly) move in stages after takeoff and before landing.
Where this comes from
Thunks, whirs, chimes and the famous "barking dog" — what you're hearing, from gate to gate.
Read: Normal sounds on a flight
Based on: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3); FAA, "Turbulence: Staying Safe" (seat belt sign rules).
Other moments people ask about
- The engines got quieter soon after takeoff · Climb
- A thunk and rumble just after liftoff · Climb
- A barking or buzzing sound while taxiing · On the ground
- The cabin lights flickered or went quiet at the gate · On the ground
- Bumps and shaking in turbulence · Cruise
- The wings are bending up and down · Cruise