Should I be scared of flying?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on March 21, 2026
It's perfectly reasonable to be afraid of flying. According to several studies, even pilots get flight anxiety. Some fearful fliers are concerned about the safe arrival of the plane. Others are not afraid the plane will crash; they fear “crashing” psychologically.
How do I get over my fear of flying?
8 Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Flying
- Latch on to triggers that set you off. ...
- Step onto the airplane with knowledge. ...
- Anticipate your anxiety. ...
- Separate fear from danger. ...
- Recognize that common sense makes no sense. ...
- Smooth over things that go bump in the flight. ...
- Educate fellow fliers how to help you. ...
- Value each flight.
Is it normal to be terrified flying?
Fear of flying is common. Research suggests it affects about 25 million adults in the U.S.How likely is a plane crash?
A Harvard University study found that the odds that your airplane will crash are one in 1.2 million, and the odds of dying from a crash are one in 11 million. Your chances of dying in a car accident, meanwhile, are one in 5,000.Why does a plane drop suddenly?
When an aircraft experiences turbulence, the plane can drop or change altitude suddenly. This is why pilots always caution passengers to buckle up and stay seated when they are experiencing flight turbulence. The sudden movements put passengers at risk.Why You Shouldn't Be Scared Of Flying
Can a plane crash due to turbulence?
Can turbulence crash an airplane? NO. Although in its worst form, turbulence may scare passengers to the point where they start praying to the Almighty, asking for mercy for their sins, it's very, very rare for turbulence to be powerful enough to actually bring a plane down.Is flying scary the first time?
Flying for the first time can be frightening, especially if you're traveling by yourself. Making sure you feel comfortable and excited for your trip is really important.Are pilots scared of turbulence?
Turbulence is a sudden and sometimes violent shift in airflow. Those irregular motions in the atmosphere create air currents that can cause passengers on an airplane to experience annoying bumps during a flight, or it can be severe enough to throw an airplane out of control. "(The pilots) aren't scared at all.Can airplane wings break off?
From a practical point, no, a modern airliner will not lose a wing due to turbulence. Modern airlines are very tough and designed to withstand extreme turbulence. In theory, it might be possible. But to my knowledge, it has not happened to any jet airliner.Is turbulence worse at night?
Is turbulence better at night? Nighttime or morning flights are statistically better for turbulence, compared to those in the day. Although turbulence can't be completely avoided at night, winds are often weaker and thermal convection turbulence is less, making the chances of encountering turbulence reduced.Why do I hate turbulence?
RE: Why Do I Hate Turbulence So Much!?From studies I have seen, people often fear turbulence as a result of some sort of insecurity. In turbulence you feel uncomfortable as you have no control of the situation which can lead to various levels of anxiety.