“Does anyone feel strange to fly right now?” One of my friends asked our group chat this week when we discussed upcoming work trips and holidays. She, of course, referred to the barrier in plank -breed headlines that have overwhelmed our news feeds since the beginning of 2025. As much as I hated to admit it as someone who travels frequently and has never experienced an ounce of anxiety before – the newly worthy accidents have been worrying, To say that mildly.
And my madman is really not alone in our concern. “Many people experience increased anxiety about air travel since they heard new news,” said Rebecca Schoolnick, PhD., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Co -Founder of Mindwell NYC. In other words: Your fear is completely valid and I’m right there with you. But I also know how much I love to travel. There is something about exploring a new place and learning about an unknown culture that makes me feel completely like myself – it is when my mind is most calm and when I feel most free.
So before you sound intrusive thoughts Steal something that gives me so much joy, I decided to consult Dr. Schooling about how to approach newfound travel anxiety, for myself and everyone else who can behave.
Experts displayed in this article:
Rebecca SholnickPHD is a licensed clinical psychologist and co -founder of Mindwell NYC.
What to do when you are afraid to fly
Whether you have never experienced stress when it comes to air travel, or if you have been treating aviophobia (flying phobia) for several years, there are a number of techniques and strategies that can help you stop this fear.
Check the statistics
Look at how many flights that successfully took off and landed even since the last crash. Reviewing the information can help you in reality that the likelihood of air accident is still very low.
“We probably hear about (air accidents) more than we used to, and that still doesn’t mean it will probably happen to you,” says Dr. School. “The majority of the flights do not crash. We tend to react strongly to news that we last hear so it is also important to look at the news in context.”
With regard to the exact statistics: in January 2025, 62 total reported air accidents reported throughout the country were reported, compared with 80 in January 2024, according to CNN. They also report that there have been fewer deaths on scheduled commercial aircraft over the past 15 years than any other 15-year distance, which means it is safer than ever before. The reason we probably hear more about crashes is because they occurred at commercial airlines – rather than private aircraft, where the majority of accidents occur annually – and some of these tragically involved fatal accidents. Still, “Remember not to over -generate – just because it has happened recently, does not mean that every plan will crash now,” says Dr. School.
Make a plan for the flight
What should you do to pass the time? Read a book? Listen to your favorite podcast? Watch a movie? Having a strategy in place for a healthy distraction to occupy your mind from start to landing can help reduce anxiety and Keep your mind busy from shouting On what-about, says Dr. School.
Employ a relaxation technique
If you feel on the edge you can try practicing some relaxation exercises, such as progressive muscle relaxation (a technique that systematically means tensioning and then release different muscle groups throughout the body) or Deep membrane breathing To soothe your nervous system, Dr. School.
Reference past experiences
Think about every time you have probably traveled on a plane. Think of every experience that flies as an experiment to test the validity of your fear of crashing – every time it does not, note it as data that contravenes this prediction.
It may also be helpful to admit that there is always a risk and uncertainty with flight. “Just like when you drive a car or cross the street or are sincere to go outside,” says Skolnik. “We all have to tolerate risk and uncertainty every day. So it may be helpful to think about times you have been able to tolerate risk and uncertainty earlier and use it when flying.”
Of course, if you still feel worried about traveling – by air or otherwise – it’s also okay. Give yourself time to adjust and use some of these strategies. And if these anxiety takes a toll for your mental health, consider seeking help from a therapist.
Reality: Traveling by air is still a safe method of transport. It is a way we can visit friends and family, see the world and learn from other people and cultures. And I hope that over time and potentially some help will recognize so for all of us very soon.
Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in southern California. Previously, she was Health and Fitness Director at MindboyGreen and Fitness and Wellness editor at Women’s Health. Kristine’s work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men’s Health, Health and RaffinaDay29, among others.