There were five fatal accidents among 32.2 million flights in 2022. That tells us that flying is among the safest activities in which a person can engage. Nicholson said: Airplanes are incredibly safe. You really have nothing to worry about when it comes to mechanical failures or pilot error.

Statistically speaking, you should not worry. Commercial aviation is the safest mode of transportation ever devised. The odds of being involved in a fatal plane crash are approximately 1 in 11 million. To put that in perspective, you are far more likely to be struck by lightning or experience a mishap in your own bathtub. Modern aircraft are designed with "redundancy" in mind—meaning every critical system (engines, electronics, hydraulics) has at least one backup. Pilots undergo rigorous training and must pass "check rides" every six months to prove they can handle extreme emergencies. While the news makes every incident feel common, thousands of flights land safely every hour. If you feel anxious, focusing on the physics of lift or choosing a seat over the wing (the most stable part of the plane) can help ground your nerves.