Seeing how we have a thread about ponytails, I guess I might as well ask this question here.

How come Delta uses the term "rough air" instead of turbulence when making PAs?

And there is the ever reliable "Air Pockets." Everybody is happy with that one.

I participated in one of the focus groups on that. Most of us didn't understand the term turbulence and were getting it confused with flatulence. Others thought "rough air" meant flatulence, but even with the confusion there was a simple majority preferring the rough air. Hence DAL pilots are not supposed to talk about turbulence or flatulence.

Because it was determined that the word 'Turbulence' causes a fear reaction in many people. Rough air sounds less threatening. That was a long time ago, but it persists.

But don't we want the passengers to have some concern so that they stay in their seats with their belt fastened?

And over time, rough air will begin to have the same connotation as turbulence and a new term will need to be created. It reminds me of PC culture. If one term becomes offensive, a new term will have to be used that will eventually become offensive also.

It doesn't really matter does it? In reality most pilots use the term turbulence. In reality most passengers ignore the seat belt sign. Did you make the announcement and is the sign on? If so, the lawyers are happier (never actually happy.) Worrying about this is a cubicle issue.

"Hey y'all! We're about to get the stuffing beat out of this hoopdy! Best sit your a$$ down!" Always works going into the ATL at least

My 'rough air' PA:

"You'd pay $100 and stand in line for an hour for a ride like this at Disney World, but here at Delta.... No Charge!".

Spirit is working on how to calculate the fees for the extra "rough air" ride... Also the fee in case of go around, but it will be refunded if we land on the first attempt.

I was in the back and had to help an FA talk a woman into not getting off the plane because of the captain's over the top p.a. regarding turbulence. I showed her my wsi turbulence forecast which showed about ten minutes of light turbulence. Unless it's going to be moderate or worse I'll say "bumps" or "rough air."