Flight guides

Plain-language answers to the questions flyers ask most — turbulence, aircraft safety, and getting the best fare on your next trip.

• Is turbulence dangerous?Why those bumps feel scary but almost never are — and how to ride them out calmly.
• How safe are modern airplanes?How aircraft are built, certified and maintained — and whether an older plane is a worry.
• When is the best time to book flights?How far ahead to book, which days are cheaper, and how to actually find a good fare.