Ultimately, it is usually perfectly safe for planes to fly in storms. Today's aircraft, especially big passenger airplanes, are designed to deal with lightning strikes, rain, and other conditions. Plus, pilots haveextensive training in how to handle storms and can be trusted to make the right call.

Yes, it is remarkably safe to be in a plane during a lightning strike. Modern commercial aircraft are designed to act as a Faraday Cage; when lightning hits the plane, the high-fidelity aluminum or composite skin conducts the electrical charge around the exterior of the fuselage and out through the tail or wingtips, shielding the passengers and sensitive internal electronics from the surge. Statistically, every commercial airplane is struck by lightning at least once a year, usually without any significant damage. While you might see a bright flash or hear a loud "bang," the plane is built to withstand the strike and continue flying safely to its destination. Pilots also use sophisticated weather radar to avoid the most intense parts of a storm where lightning is most frequent. After a reported strike, the aircraft undergoes a mandatory technical inspection upon landing to ensure no "pitting" or minor structural damage occurred, but your safety at 30,000 feet is a core part of aircraft certification.