An estimated 25 million adults have aerophobia, the fear of flying. Many of these individuals fear for their lives when they board planes.
Luckily, technology has come a long way since the Wright brothers took flight in 1903. But how safe is flying in 2024?
Today, we’re taking off to see how protected you and your loved ones are when flying. We’ll even share some tips to help maximize your safety while soaring through the air.
Let’s go!
Is Flying Safe in 2024?
Yes, flying is extremely safe. As far as modes of transportation, it’s one of the best options.
Advances in technology, increased safety regulations, and extensive training have helped tremendously.
Modern planes have state-of-the-art systems that are more resistant to glitches, errors, and malfunctions. In addition, communication systems have significantly improved to help air traffic controllers avoid mid-air collisions.
Unfortunately, there is an inherent risk of danger when you climb aboard a plane. While the chances are low, they’re not zero.
However, knowing it’s safer to travel by plane than by car can ease your worries.
Flying Safety Statistics
It may not do much for your anxiety for us to say that the airline industry is incredibly safe. However, it can help to consider some actual numbers.
For example, every single day, more than 40,000 flights transport 2.6 million passengers all over the country. You seldom hear of a minor accident, let alone a major one.
Need a few more numbers to help reduce your anxiety? The odds of dying in a commercial airline crash are 1 in 3.37 billion.
You have better odds of winning the lottery (1 in 300 million). Additionally, while the odds are minuscule, 98% of plane crashes do not result in a single fatality.
In 2020, more than 38,000 people perished on American highways. Trains (743) and boats or other watercraft (838) combined for more than 1,500.
How many lives were lost as a result of commercial airlines? Zero! As we said, flying is extremely safe.
Safety Tips for Flying in 2024
Want to stay safe while flying? Here are several things you and your loved ones can do to protect yourself.
Follow Instructions
Hopefully, you learned at a young age the importance of following instructions. Airline crews provide clear and specific instructions during the pre-flight announcements.
No matter how many times you’ve heard them, it’s a good idea to listen thoroughly.
The crew can help ensure you fasten your seatbelt correctly, know how to use life vests, and know where to find your nearest emergency exit. You never know when you might need any of this vital information.
If an emergency occurs, it’s imperative to follow instructions. Flight attendants know how to handle a variety of situations. Their guidance and instructions can help you respond correctly.
In addition, the crew can better maintain control of the situation.
Be Aware of Emergency Exits
During the pre-flight instructions, the crew will point out all of the emergency exits on the aircraft.
It’s a good idea to make it a habit to find the one nearest you before the plane leaves the ground.
While searching, remember to look behind you, as a closer exit could be right behind you. You could go against the flow of passengers if you try to push your way towards one in front of you.
Secure Overhead Bins
The overhead bins are great places to store bags, luggage, and other items you won’t likely need during the flight.
However, if these bins are not closed tightly, the contents could become projectiles during turbulence, sudden stops while taxing, and other unexpected situations.
Once in the air, be careful when opening overhead bins. The contents may have shifted while the plane was taxiing or taking off.
Slowly open the compartment and look and listen for any indications of a problem. You don’t want to take a suitcase to the face or have something fall onto a neighbor’s head.
Stay Hydrated
The humidity level inside an airplane is typically very low. As a result, the air circulating throughout the cabin is dry. This may be fine for shorter flights, but it can lead to dehydration during longer flights.
You may start to notice fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.
To avoid this, drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight. Unfortunately, this may mean you’ll have to visit the airplane’s restroom more often than you’d like, but it’s a small price to pay.
Avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
Keep Aisle Clear
The aisle is the main artery for the entire aircraft. As a result, you must keep it clear at all times. If you want to stay safe, keep your bags and other items out of the way.
During an emergency, these items could hinder the ability of crew and passengers to get to safety.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep the aisle clear so the crew can move up and down the plane with food and beverages. If your overall safety isn’t enough to convince you, hopefully, your grumbling stomach will be.
Avoid Alcohol
Some passengers enjoy having a drink or two while flying to take the edge off their nerves. However, the minor 4% difference in pressure onboard a plane can exacerbate the effects of alcohol. You may start to feel the effects much sooner than you would otherwise.
If you choose to drink, ensure you properly hydrate and have a bite to eat beforehand.
You don’t want to find yourself intoxicated while in the air. This can lead to you making some decisions you otherwise wouldn’t make.
HOT TIP
Alaska Airlines Acquired Hawaiian Airlines in a recent transaction. Read all about it and what this means for passengers.
Carry Identification and Medications
One thing you’ll learn during travel adventures is that you can never know what to expect. As a result, you should always have your identification and medications with you.
Even if you don’t need them during the flight, this can help in case of a delay or emergency.
Anything can happen while you’re traveling, and these are two critical items that you should always have access to.
Stay Safe While Flying in 2024
Thankfully, flying in 2024 is safer than ever before. Airports, airlines, and maintenance crews constantly evaluate their processes to prioritize safety.
Their goal is to help you and the many others boarding planes to arrive as soon and safely as possible. Do your part by following the tips discussed.
Happy travels!
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