Sit Back and Enjoy Your Flight: Why Air Travel is Safer Than Ever

Anxiety keeps many people from traveling as much as they would like. They may be worried about new experiences or unknown places. But some remain grounded at home due to just one thing: a persistent fear of flying. That’s a shame, because according to the latest flight statistics, 2014 was the safest 12-month period in the history of air travel. In fact, many aviation and safety experts say that today’s travelers are enjoying a new “golden age” of air travel. Flying to your destination is safer than it’s ever been.

Based on every billion miles traveled in the U.S. over the past five years...

• Flying is more than 3000 times safer than traveling by motorcycle.
• Flying is 95 times safer than traveling by car or truck.
• Flying is ten times safer than traveling by commuter train.
• Flying is even three times safer than traveling by bus.

Transportation is becoming less dangerous all-around, with the past few decades bringing significant safety improvements and new technology. Just as today’s cars are much safer thanks to improved brakes, better handling and computerized driving systems, each new generation of aircraft is several steps safer than earlier models. Aircraft designs are improving, production materials are stronger and computers are taking human error out of the equation. The result is that commercial aviation is now the safest mode of travel within and outside of the U.S.!

But facts and logical reasoning are one thing. Emotions are another. We generally understand how cars and trains work, but flight still carries a great deal of mystery. If you’re already anxious about flying, any unknown sound or unexpected bump can spark worry. How do you deal with it?

Tips to Overcome Flight Anxiety

• Don’t hesitate to ask your attendant. If you need reassurance or have a question, press your overhead call button. Flight attendants often give special attention to anxious travelers, so consider letting them know ahead of time.
• Bring along your own distractions—like a book or music. Scroll through the in-flight entertainment for a familiar (preferably funny) film. Or, try striking up a conversation with the person beside you...anything to redirect your focus.
• Pack earplugs and a sleep mask, and get some rest.
• Pray or memorize Scripture to take your mind off your surroundings. Psalm 23, Psalm 91, Proverbs 3:5-6 or Isaiah 41:10 are all great truths that encourage us to trust the Lord.
• Focus on your destination. Thinking about the amazing place you’re about to see can help.
• Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks. Stimulants can provoke fears and cause overreaction.

Worry or apprehension, left unchecked, can be debilitating. Plan ahead to keep fear from getting out of hand. Even if the rational knowledge that air travel is safer than ever doesn’t help, you can board your flight with an arsenal of ways to keep calm and travel on.

Don’t let flight anxiety keep you from enjoying the Christian travel experience of a lifetime!