If you've seen the news just before your flight, you may have seen stories about runway incidents, pilot shortages, and even weather-related confusion.
That's enough to make you wonder if the flight is still safe. It's easy to feel anxious, but the truth remains one of the safest ways to get from point A to point B, especially compared to car travel.
In fact, a recent analysis by Osborne & Francis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that October was the most dangerous month for American drivers, with 17,543 fatal crashes nationwide over five years. August and September weren't that good.
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So far, at least 87 people have been killed in a crash crash in the US in 2025. Numbers don't lie. The chances of a fatal crash are much higher behind the wheel than in the window seats.
Air Travel Safety: The Big Picture
Airplanes are large, heavy machines that soar miles from the ground. It's easy to feel that even the smallest hiccups can lead to disasters. Despite challenges such as lack of staffing and unexpected weather disruptions, US airlines were able to keep safety first.
Regular maintenance checks, strict FAA regulations, and technological advances all contribute to a safer skies. Looking at the numbers, flight remains very safe.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), commercial airlines in the US have maintained strong safety records for the past decade. This comes from modern aircraft designed with cutting-edge technology to prevent accidents and pilots who are rigorously trained to prepare for every possible scenario.
However, recent air disasters have been particularly shocking due to their severity. One of the most fatal incidents of the decade happened in Washington when an American Airlines flight collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Another crash in Alaska on February 6th killed 10 people.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) database, an average of 28 airlines per year over the past 20 years has been involved in accidents or some degree of “occurrence.”
Both 2005 and 2019 recorded 40 airline accidents, with 15 lowest numbers in 2020, and both 2005 and 2019 recorded, so the number of accidents fluctuates annually.
Private flights have a major impact on NTSB statistics as wealthy individuals tend to fly more during the summer. These private flights are at high risk as they are often piloted by less experienced individuals who are not prepared for a sudden summer storm.
Navigate airline disruptions and safety measures
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you've ever been stuck at the airport due to a “recent maintenance” then you know it can be frustrating. However, these delays occur for good reason: safety. The FAA implements strict maintenance schedules and airlines need to follow them in letters. Everything from engine checks to emergency equipment is inspected regularly.
Despite the generally safe planes themselves, the aviation industry has been navigating some rough skies recently due to internal challenges affecting travelers across the country. In recent years, a lack of staffing has led to a surge in flight cancellations, delays and even violations of quality of service.
It is a significant shortage of certified air traffic controllers that exacerbate this issue. As of 2025, the FAA was running on approximately 3,500 controllers more than necessary, leading to increased workloads and potential safety risks.
The FAA processes over 45,000 US departures every day, and the number of air travel incidents we hear is much smaller than those.
Air travel and car travel: Statistical comparison
This is the part that surprises many people. Statistically, moving a car is far more risky than air travel. You are much more likely to be involved in a fatal accident while driving while flying. And it's not just a minor difference – it's huge.
According to an analysis by Osborne & Francis, October is the most fatal month for drivers, with over 17,543 fatal crashes in just five years. August and September are not that late. These numbers are shocking considering how common driving is more common than flying.
The study also found that February was the safest month for drivers, with 12,412 fatal crashes. But even those numbers take the tower over the dead that are virtually nonexistent in US commercial flights.
However, recent airline events have led to rising costs for major airlines, and many people are rethinking how they travel. For some, the idea of driving instead of flying feels like a safer and even more affordable option. After all, ticket prices will rise, flight delays will become more common, and hitting the road may seem like a smarter choice.
However, sometimes driving is not feasible. If you need to travel cross country or get in somewhere faster, flying is still the most practical option. That's why it's important to have all the facts and be able to fly with peace of mind. Once you know the numbers and understand safety measures on the spot, you will be confident in the plane and be able to ride a less stressful feeling.
What you can do to stay safe while flying
Even with all the safety precautions in place, there are still steps you can take to enhance your peace of mind when you fly.
Choose an airline with a strong safety record. Not all airlines are created equally. Some maintenance programs, better pilot training, and higher safety ratings. Note to seat selection: Seats near the back of the plane and near the emergency exit have been shown to have statistically high survival rates in rare events of crash falls. Additionally, the airport is less crowded and leads to smooth operation. Turn to weather patterns. Pilots are trained to handle almost all weather conditions, but they may fly during hurricane season or have an increased blizzard. Pay attention to safety briefings, know where the exit is and maintain seat belt retention. Consider travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations. Know your rights: get used to delays and cancellations to advocate accommodation and refunds when necessary.
Flying through the storm
Air travel has its challenges, but looking at the number of hards, flight remains very safer than driving. Despite rising costs and occasional news headlines that raise eyebrows, the data shows that commercial airlines are one of the safest ways to travel.
So, the next time you board the plane, remember the statistics. Understand the safety measures in place. And you know that you're statistically much safer at 35,000 feet than you're driving on the highway.
