Hacker News Reader

I also fly commonly out of PDX and SEA. Generally anywhere near mountains is going to be bumpy (Denver is a roller coaster every single time).

> Earlier this year it was bad enough to suspend drink service.

If drink service wasn't suspended on others, it wasn't very bad turbulence. A rule of thumb is that if your seat belt isn't hurting you, it's moderate or lower intensity.

About a decade or two ago, turbulence seemed worse. My uncle told of a time when he saw people hit the ceiling. I've rarely had issues, although plenty of smaller pockets where service does get suspended. I fly out of SEA, but in my opinion, DEN is much bumpier because of the sheer winds from the Rockies.

My rule of thumb is if the drinks didn't fly into the air and spill, then turbulence is minor.

Also pilots largely avoid microbursts now:

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/microbursts-the-danger-th...