Is Flying Safe? A Former Flight Attendant Weighs In on Air Travel Safety, Emergencies, & Alternatives
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Lately, it seems like every time we turn on the news, there's another airplane emergency—whether it's a door plug detaching mid-flight, an engine failure, or an emergency landing. If you’re feeling anxious about flying, you’re not alone. I’ve seen a lot of concern online and heard from travelers wondering if it’s even safe to step on a plane right now.
I get it—not just as someone who loves to travel, but as someone who spent years as a flight attendant, later training new flight attendants in emergency procedures. Safety wasn’t just a priority; it was my job. And while these stories are unsettling, I want to offer some insight, facts, and practical tips—not just to ease your mind, but to help you feel more prepared and empowered when you travel.
Why Does It Feel Like There Are More Airplane Emergencies Right Now?
Let’s talk about perception vs. reality. Are there actually more airplane emergencies happening, or is the media just focusing on them more?
The truth is: these types of incidents happen from time to time, but they don’t always make the headlines. When one major incident happens, it often triggers more intense media coverage of smaller ones, making it feel like planes are falling from the sky left and right.
The bigger picture?
✔ Flying is still the safest mode of transportation—and modern aircraft are built with multiple backup systems to handle unexpected issues.
✔ Most “emergencies” are well-handled by highly trained flight crews—pilots go through extensive simulator training, emergency drills, and recurrent safety checks every year. Even situations that seem alarming—like an engine failure—are things pilots train for routinely.
✔ Aircraft undergo rigorous inspections and maintenance checks—far more than your car ever will. Planes aren’t just "checked" before every flight; they go through scheduled deep inspections that can take days or even weeks to complete, ensuring everything is in peak condition.
Statistically, air travel remains one of the safest ways to get from point A to point B. The likelihood of being in a plane crash is about 1 in 11 million, whereas the odds of a car accident are 1 in 93. So, is it safer to fly or drive? The numbers make it clear—flying is far less risky.Yet, most of us don’t think twice about hopping in a car every day.
What to Do If You’re Ever in an Airplane Emergency
As a flight attendant, I spent hundreds of hours training for situations that, in most cases, never happened. But knowing what to do before an emergency can help you act quickly and safely if it ever does.
Here are the top things I wish every passenger knew:
Listen to the Safety Briefing – It’s tempting to tune out, but flight attendants aren’t just going through the motions—we’re giving you info that could save your life.
Know Where Your Exits Are – Count the rows between you and the nearest exit. If the cabin fills with smoke or goes dark, this small step can make a huge difference.
Leave Your Bags Behind – I know, it’s instinct to grab your stuff. But in an evacuation, seconds matter. A rolling suitcase blocking the aisle can cost lives. I cannot stress this enough.
Brace Positions Work – They’re designed to reduce head and spinal injuries in an impact. If the crew tells you to brace, do it.
Follow Crew Instructions – Flight attendants are trained for emergencies far beyond serving snacks. They are your best resource in a crisis—trust them.
Not Ready to Fly? Here’s How to Travel Without a Plane
If air travel isn’t sitting right with you right now, that’s completely okay. The world is still full of ways to explore—without ever stepping foot on a plane. Whether you’re looking for a slower, scenic adventure or just want to get from point A to point B with less stress, here are some alternatives to flying:
Trains: The Relaxing Way to Travel
There’s something special about train travel—it’s slower, yes, but in the best way possible. Instead of the hustle of TSA lines and tight airplane seats, you get spacious seating, the ability to walk around, and stunning views along the way. Plus, no baggage fees for most routes!
U.S. Rail Travel: Amtrak offers cross-country routes (like the famous California Zephyr or the Coast Starlight) and regional services that connect major cities.
Europe’s High-Speed Rail: If you're in Europe, trains often beat flying in terms of efficiency—especially on routes like Paris to London (Eurostar) or Madrid to Barcelona (AVE). No long airport waits, no stress—just hop on and go.
International Scenic Rides: Consider legendary train journeys like the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Shinkansen bullet trains in Japan, or even the Trans-Siberian Railway if you're feeling extra adventurous.
Best for: Travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination and want a stress-free, scenic way to move between cities.
Buses & Road Trips: The Flexible Choice
If you like having control over your schedule, road travel might be a great option. Whether you let someone else do the driving (buses) or take the wheel yourself (road trips), this mode of travel offers freedom and affordability.
Buses for City-to-City Travel: Companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus offer affordable long-distance routes across North America and Europe. Some even include Wi-Fi and comfy seating for a better experience.
Road Trips: You Set the Pace – Whether it’s the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (California), the Blue Ridge Parkway (East Coast U.S.), or a drive through the Scottish Highlands, road-tripping lets you travel on your own terms.
Van Life & RV Travel: If you want the ultimate flexibility, renting a campervan or RV gives you both transportation and accommodation in one—no hotels needed!
Best for: Independent travelers who love flexibility, scenic routes, and making spontaneous stops along the way.
Cruises & Ferries: Travel by Water
If you’d rather float to your destination, there are plenty of options to make that happen:
Cruises: Perfect for those who want the journey to be part of the vacation. Whether it’s an Alaskan cruise, a Caribbean getaway, or a European river cruise, ships offer all-inclusive travel with entertainment and meals built in.
Transcontinental Cruises: Want to cross oceans without boarding a plane? Consider a repositioning cruise or a transatlantic/transpacific voyage. These longer cruises connect continents, like New York to London, Miami to Barcelona, or California to Japan, giving travelers a relaxing, scenic, and unique way to travel internationally.
Ferries: A great alternative to flying for shorter international routes. You can take a ferry from Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia, Athens to the Greek Islands, or Denmark to Sweden—all without ever stepping into an airport.
Island Hopping: Want to explore multiple destinations without flying? Look into ferry passes in places like Greece, Indonesia, and the Philippines for a more relaxed island-hopping experience.
Best for: Travelers who want a slower-paced journey, scenic ocean views, and a more immersive way to reach their destination.
Best for: Travelers who want a slower-paced journey, scenic ocean views, and a more immersive way to reach their destination.
Bottom Line:
If flying doesn’t feel right for you at the moment, you still have plenty of ways to see the world. Whether it’s rolling through countryside landscapes on a train, taking a scenic drive, or setting sail for adventure, travel is about the experience—and there’s no single right way to do it.
How to Manage Flight Anxiety
Want to book that flight but still feeling uneasy? Feeling nervous about flying is completely normal, especially with all the recent headlines. But instead of letting fear take the wheel (or, in this case, the cockpit), here are some practical ways to ease flight anxiety and feel more in control:
✈ Educate Yourself – Fear thrives on the unknown. Learning how airplanes work, the rigorous maintenance schedules they follow, and the layers of backup systems in place can help replace uncertainty with confidence. Most turbulence? Just a bumpy road in the sky. Those sounds after takeoff? Normal parts of the flight sequence.
✈ Focus on Crew Training – Flight attendants aren’t just there to pass out snacks. They’re trained for nearly every scenario imaginable—fires, medical emergencies, even full evacuations. Pilots undergo thousands of hours of training and regularly practice emergency landings in simulators. These aren’t people who 'wing it'—they’re trained to handle the unexpected so you can fly with peace of mind.
✈ Distract Yourself – Sometimes, the best way to get through a flight is to take your mind off of it. Load up a playlist, bring a new book, download a feel-good movie, or start a crossword puzzle. The more your brain is engaged in something enjoyable, the less it fixates on fear.
✈ Try Breathing Techniques – Anxiety often triggers shallow, rapid breathing, which can make you feel even more on edge. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale slowly for 8. This signals your nervous system to calm down naturally and is a great tool for turbulence or takeoff jitters.
✈ Limit News Exposure – If you know that reading about plane incidents makes you more anxious, step away from the headlines before your flight. The reality is, air travel is safer than ever, but consuming negative news right before you board can skew your perspective. Instead, focus on your destination, the excitement of travel, and the adventure ahead.
Final Thoughts from a Former Flight Attendant
I’ll be honest—working in aviation, I saw firsthand how much thought, training, and preparation goes into making sure flights are as safe as possible. It’s something I never worried about when I was on the job, because I knew the systems in place were solid. And that’s something I want to pass on to you.
If you love travel but feel uneasy right now, I hope this blog helps you feel more informed and in control. At the end of the day, flying is an incredible privilege—it connects us to new places, cultures, and people. And even when it feels uncertain, it’s still one of the safest ways to explore the world.
What about you? Are you feeling hesitant about air travel right now? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Travel Well,
