Flight the safest form of travel?

Question

I keep hearing people that say statistically flight is the safest form of travel- but that's because they always quote the 'passenger-kilometre' statistic, which is unfair because planes travel way further and carry way more passengers than cars each time.

I've heard that you're 12 times more likely to survive a car journey than a plane journey- but that's also unfair because there are way more cars than planes.

People keep saying I have an irrational phobia like a fear of spiders, but it's not the same. So many things can go wrong in a plane journey and if one of them does, there's no way to survive. If you're in a car you can just pull up by the side of the road, and when you crash you have a high probability of surviving (and I'm completely ignoring the guilt of the carbon emissions).

Can anyone truly reassure me of the safety of flying? No crap sarcastic answers please.

Answer 1

I understand your fear as I feel it too myself.

I know you don't want to hear any more statistics but here is one more you might want to hear.

Based on real statistics, you would have to fly 24 hours a day for 400 years before being involved in a fatal accident.

The chances of it really are slim.

I understand that the fear is because if something did go wrong 35,000 feet in the year it would be indescribably terryfing if the plane were to plummet to the earth. In a car, it would just be over in a flash. You would have time to think about it in a plane.

Accidents DO happen. But they are so rare that you have more chance of dying by a cocunut falling on your head.

For me, I think that life would not be worth living if I couldn't travel to other countries in the world so that is why I fly.

I feel the fear, and do it anyway. You are in as much danger crossing the road or just of being struck down by a disease except you get something out of flying - you get to see the world.

The reward is much much greater then the very low risk.

Answer 2

The passenger-per-kilometer/mile statistic isn't an invalid one. Even though planes will travel farther and carry more passengers, keep in mind that the sheer volume of cars balances that out, so that they are far more comparable. (After all, there are millions of cars on the road each day, and not millions of planes in the air.)

You are, indeed, less likely to die in a plane than in a car. And there's no need to have guilt over carbon emissions, either -- the amount of carbon emissions you are directly responsible for by flying is the extra fuel that is burned by adding your weight to the aircraft, because the plane was going to fly anyway without you on it.

Answer 3

While there is a great deal of 'stuff' on planes, they are all essentially the same. Lift is produced by forward momentum; nothing can go wrong there. In airliners, forward momentum is created using jet engines; which in reality is just fuel being squirted into a controlled explosion; nothing can go wrong there. The engines are securely fixed on, they are 'not' going to come off. Ground controllers keep airliners well away from each other. There may be a lot of air traffic, but the sky is a big place; there's room for it. I believe that all the important systems have a backup in case of failure.

There's really nothing to be afraid of, unless of course the government decides it wants to perform more undesirable activities; at which time the 'terrorist' card will be played again. Just hope that you're not on one of the planes.

Answer 4

Hi Gabriel, No, it is really true that the fear of flying is an irrational fear. It sure doesn't feel like it though :) But, here's the thing,,, since it is irrational, no amount of logic is going to convince you. No matter how intelligent you are, no matter of statistics are going to do it. The fear is lodged in a primitive part of your brain that deals with survival. Somehow that part got the misconception that fear of flying is dangerous. To reset that part, you need to use methods that will actually go deep enough. Today we have therapies that will do that... I just posted an answer on the question "Why do I feel more afraid every time I fly" Check it out, and do watch that video I talk about. It is really very effective :)

Answer 5

I'm an Incharge F/A. Crew deal with fearful flyers practically each and every flight. I think reciting stastics is an incredably insensitive way of dealing with Aviophobia.
I suggest checking with your Airline to see if they offer any type of special class for fearful flyers. Some do.
Or request a pre-board and special briefing prior to departure. (This must be requested in advance.) Pay close attention to the life saving information presented to you free of charge by the Crew.
Passengers say it is helpful to see, touch the emergency equiptment and receive the extra attention and understanding. Requesting a seat near an F/A is helpful. Seeing that we're ok, you're ok. Some people are so terrified they watch our every move and expression. It helps to let us know what's going on in your mind. Something as simple as chatting with us can help take your mind off of your fear.
Contrary to earlier uneducated comments regarding Flight Safety...("Unless they teach me how to fly they aren't much use...") Flight Attendants play a vital role in the safety and security of all Passengers. Anyone who has ever safely evacuated a burning Aircraft cabin will acredit their survival to the direction of the Flight Crew. Pay attention to any and all safety briefings given to you by the Flight Crew. Failure to do so could cost you your life!

Answer 6

To put things in to perspective for you. I am Cabin Crew. I have worked in this position for nearly 5 years. I have flown over 4500 flights both as Crew and as a passenger. I have had emergencies both serious and non serious from engine failures to lightning strikes etc etc.

The Flight Crew are trained so extensively so that anything that can go wrong they can deal with. The Cabin Crew are also trained in every eventuality.

I have had 3 car crashes in my 28 1/2 years, however not serious.

I don't think this will convince you but I am still here to tell the tale!!

Answer 7

I would much rather go on a plane any day than in a car, its safe believe me I was terrified of flying myself until 2 years ago but have been to some amazing places since too much hassle on the roads none of that in the air.

Answer 8

You're not the only one to be afraid of flying. There are associations of like sufferers who offer counselling and eventually short flights to help you get used to it. Good luck if you should choose this option.

Then, for travel purposes, there is the Channel Tunnel option. I used to run a hotel in Calais, and just as many of my clients used to give thanks to the tunnel as an alternative to flying, as those who suffered from seasickness. So there is always an alternative to flying.

I don't mind flying, but I can't stand heights. You'll never get me to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but it's all in the mind, as I know it won't collapse either, but......I simply can't go up.

I suppose it depends on your will and need to fly. I would at least try to conquer your fear though.

I hope things work out for you.

Answer 9

I fly a lot on business - at least once a week. Been doing it for 20 years.

Nothing has happened to me.

Answer 10

Just watch "seconds from disaster" and you will see that your view is not exactly irrational.
No matter how well cabin staff are trained they can't stop terrorism, pilot error, pilot suicide.
Unless they teach me how to fly, they aren't much use!