The Last Minute Travel Fact Center

It is a question that has been asked a thousand times before, (and more), since the Wright brothers first took to the air. Such questions have only increased in number since the terrorist attacks in the US nearly a decade ago. When asking, “How safe is it to fly?”, the simple answer is, “Extremely.”

Long before the events of 2001 took place, people have wondered just how safe flying is. These fears have, for many, been compounded by all the new rules and regulations, and checks that we now have to endure before boarding. But records still show the safety success, and this increases year on year.

The problem with flying comes more from the focus the media give to accidents, than to the frequency of them. It is a big story when a plane goes down anywhere in the world, and you can sure it will be reported on all news channels. That there is such an attraction to cover these stories, tells the story itself.

Such stories of heroism, whilst serving one purpose to celebrate the actions, does also sow seeds of doubt for those with a fear of flying. If more were made of how well the aircraft performed having been struck by birds, or how well the hull of the craft held up to the forces of landing on the water, perhaps people’s fears may’ve reduced.

This reaction from the public causes far more issues than any safety concerns, as people drink too much alcohol, take too many sedatives or simply become aggressive: a sure sign of fear in many.

Whatever mode of transport you choose to take; be it plane, bike, car or the old faithful: the foot, there is always a risk. Worrying about such questions as, “How safe is it to fly?”, will not make things any better. Far from it!