BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
With a surge in news headlines about plane crashes in early 2025, it is no surprise that more people are feeling uneasy about air travel. “Many people are experiencing heightened anxiety around air travel since hearing recent news,” says Rebecca Skolnick, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of MindWell NYC. Travel anxiety is not just about fear of flying; it is also about the feeling of having no control over the situation.
The reality, however, is that air travel is still one of the safest modes of transportation. In January 2025, there were 62 total reported airplane accidents nationwide, compared to 80 in January 2024, according to CNN. In fact, there have been fewer fatalities on commercial airliners over the last fifteen years than in any other similar period. “We are certainly hearing about [plane crashes] more than we used to, and that still doesn’t mean it is likely to happen to you,” Dr. Skolnick reassures.
How to manage fear of flying
One effective way to cope with flight anxiety is to focus on the facts. Reviewing statistics that highlight the safety of air travel can help counteract the tendency to overestimate risk based on recent news. “Remember not to overgeneralize — just because it has been happening more recently doesn’t mean every plane is going to crash now,” says Dr. Skolnick.
Another helpful strategy is to make a plan for the flight. Bringing a book, downloading favorite podcasts, or lining up movies can serve as healthy distractions to occupy the mind during takeoff and landing.
Practicing relaxation techniques
Deep diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are simple techniques that can help manage anxiety mid-flight. Dr. Skolnick suggests focusing on each breath to calm the nervous system. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then slowly releasing different muscle groups, which can help relieve the physical tension that often accompanies anxiety.
Reframing the risk
Thinking about previous positive flight experiences can also help. Each safe flight can serve as a reminder that fear, while real, is not necessarily an accurate predictor of outcomes. Dr. Skolnick encourages travelers to consider the risk of flying in context. “We all have to tolerate risk and uncertainty every day,” she says. “So it can be helpful to think about times you have been able to tolerate risk and uncertainty in the past, and use that when flying.”
Recognizing that some level of uncertainty is part of life—whether it is driving a car, crossing the street, or even walking outside—can help shift the focus from fear to acceptance.
When to seek professional support
If anxiety about flying becomes overwhelming or interferes with the ability to travel at all, it might be time to consult a therapist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing anxiety by challenging and reframing unhelpful thoughts.
The bottom line: air travel is still a remarkably safe way to explore new places, connect with loved ones, and embrace the world. With the right strategies, it is possible to navigate travel anxiety and regain confidence in flying.
