Frequent Plane Crashes Spark Fear of Flying; Tips To Help You Cope And Ease Anxiety

Of late, the world is witnessing a slew of plane crashes or close calls—instances of which may leave many people anxious and worried about air travel. According to experts, even though it is considered the safest way to travel, flying can generate a lot of worry and uneasiness in some travellers.

A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research said even though most people in the US preferred flying as their most convenient mode of transport, confidence in air travel and the federal agencies in charge of air safety has fallen.

According to the survey, more than 60 per cent of American adults say they think plane travel is "very safe" or "somewhat safe," but that is down slightly from last year when 71 per cent said so. Around 20 per cent now say they consider air transportation as very or somewhat unsafe, up from 12 per cent in 2024.

Recently, a deadly collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington D.C. and a Delta flight from Minneapolis, which flipped upside down while landing in Toronto, has spiked anxiety levels.

According to mental health experts, it is completely normal and understandable for people to deal with fears around flying, especially after seeing incidents like these. But they also say there are ways to cope and manage these fears.

Data from the National Safety Council says the odds of dying in a commercial air accident are around 1 in 13.7 million—much lower than being involved in a car crash.

And so, the odds of you being alive and well during flying are more than travelling on the road.

Several breathing techniques help you feel calmer and more relaxed if you are dealing with high levels of stress. All you need is a quiet space where you can pay attention to your breathing.

There is a lot of online content that can cause anxiety and fears—in some even panic attacks. According to experts, your mind should be calm—especially before taking a flight.

And so, it is important to not watch a lot of news, which can set in negative thoughts.

Most people who fly frequently know in their minds that this mode of travel is extremely safe, despite some glitches and turbulences they face. According to experts, you need to mentally prepare yourself before taking a flight and try doing some meditation to have positive thoughts in your mind.

If you do feel anxious about flying, the best way to get over it is to meet up with your friends or family members and keep your mind off it. If you are prone to getting anxious while the flight lands or takes off, you can also hold hands with your fellow seatmate.

Experts suggest you can talk to flight attendants who are skilled at talking to you and helping you feel less anxious. They can give you more information and come by and check on you. You can also get help from your doctor, who can prescribe a medicine to calm your nerves prior to flying.

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