I wonder if that has more to do with the planes or with better monitoring of atmospheric conditions for planes to dodge it

In recent years I've heard pilots announce that they are re-routing to avoid turbulence. I'm not sure what's new: the announcement of this, or the ability to do so.

Probably the former. It's long been customary for pilots to broadcast turbulence over the radio so others can avoid it.

Anecdotally, I fly round trip out of SEA ~3 times a year and experience very bad turbulence on about half the flights. Earlier this year it was bad enough to suspend drink service.

> 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.

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).

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...

The 787 is far more comfortable than earlier aircraft in regards to vibration, sound, air quality, and lighting - there's a lot of internal upgrades. My mother who has had severe headaches and sinus issues that are extremely sensitive to altitude pressure when flying through the 1990s-2010s has had no problems since flying on the 787.

The 787 cabin pressure is equivalent 5000 ft above sea level versus 8000 ft for older planes. Essentially Denver versus Aspen.

They also created a 3D microphone array that they used to map the sound inside the airplane and spend the dampening budget in the places that will get the most impact.

I've been on like 40 international flights and can think of maybe a few short periods of exciting turbulence.

Nothing super memorable. I'm sure it happens, but seems very rare and/or route dependent.