How Dangerous Is Flying?

When an incident occurs on a commercial flight, it almost always makes headlines. While these events are few and far between, they can make even the most seasoned travelers feel a bit uneasy about flying. But is flying truly dangerous? Join us as we explore the safety of commercial air travel, including the measures in place, and what passengers can do to stay safe when traveling.

Flying Is One of the Safest Ways to Travel

Despite the alarming recent headlines, the overall safety of flying has been improving over the years. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that the number of accidents involving commercial planes is on the decline. In 2023, there were 30 total accidents in commercial aviation, with only one being fatal. This marks a significant decline from previous decades, illustrating the advancements in aviation safety.

Comparatively, the risk of being involved in a fatal flight is exceptionally low. From 2018 to 2022, the chances of a passenger being killed on a flight anywhere in the world was approximately 1 in 13.4 million. This is a notable improvement from between 1968 and 1977, when the chance was 1 in 350,000. This statistic demonstrates that flying is extremely safe, particularly in the United States, where there hasn't been a fatal plane crash involving a major airline since 2009.

Behind the Technology Keeping Us Safe

One of the main reasons flying remains safe is the sophisticated design of modern aircraft. Planes are equipped with multiple redundant systems, meaning that if one system fails, another can take over. For instance, in recent incidents involving United Airlines, three planes with missing tires, engine, or hydraulics issues were still able to land safely due to these systems.

Aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus continuously improve the safety features of their planes. These improvements include advanced engineering designs that ensure critical systems have backups and rigorous testing protocols that test these systems' limits.

Training to Keep You Safe

The safety of air travel is also heavily reliant on the training and preparedness of flight crews. Pilots and flight attendants undergo extensive training to handle emergencies. They are trained not just in operating the aircraft but also in emergency procedures, such as evacuating the plane in various scenarios and managing in-flight crises like fires or decompression.

Flight attendants, while they are often perceived as service staff, are primarily on board for passenger safety. They are trained to handle emergency situations, from fire outbreaks to medical emergencies, ensuring that they can assist passengers effectively if something goes wrong.

Tips to Boost Your Safety

Passengers also play a role in ensuring their safety while flying. Simple steps can enhance personal safety and preparedness in case of an emergency. Wearing natural fibers such as cotton and closed-toe shoes can provide additional protection. Also make sure to listen carefully to safety briefings and be aware of the nearest emergency exits and procedures as these things can make an enormous difference during an emergency evacuation.

Eating a meal before the flight can help maintain energy levels, especially if there are unexpected delays or extended periods without food availability. Passengers should also ensure they follow all in-flight safety instructions provided by the flight crew.

The Reality of Safe Air Travel

While highly publicized incidents may create the impression that flying is becoming more dangerous, the reality is that air travel remains incredibly safe. Advances in aircraft technology, stringent safety protocols, and the exceptional training of flight crews contribute to this safety record. Passengers can further enhance their safety by taking simple precautions and staying informed during their flight.

Ultimately, flying is far safer than many other forms of transportation, including driving. So, next time you board a flight, you can do so knowing that it is one of the safest ways to travel.

References: Flying is getting scary. But is it still safe? | Why flying is still safe despite high-profile problems