It’s Completely Normal to Feel Anxious About Traveling — Here’s How to Manage It

“Has anyone else been feeling uneasy about flying lately?” a friend asked our group chat as we discussed upcoming work trips and vacations. She was referring to the flood of plane crash headlines that have dominated the news since the beginning of 2025. As much as I hated to admit it — especially since I travel often and have never been nervous about flying before — these reports have been unsettling, to say the least.

And it turns out, I’m not alone in feeling this way. “Many people are experiencing heightened anxiety about air travel after hearing recent news,” says Dr. Rebecca Skolnick, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of MindWell NYC. In other words, if you’re feeling anxious, it’s completely valid — I’m right there with you. But I also know how much I love to travel. There’s something about exploring new places and learning about different cultures that makes me feel like myself — it’s when my mind feels most at ease and I feel the freest.

So, before I let these anxious thoughts ruin something I enjoy, I reached out to Dr. Skolnick for advice on how to handle my new travel anxiety, and I thought I’d share some tips for anyone else who might be in the same boat.

What to Do When You’re Afraid to Fly

Whether you’ve never had anxiety about flying or you’ve struggled with aviophobia (fear of flying) for years, there are several strategies to help calm those fears.

Check the Stats
Take a look at how many flights successfully take off and land, even after a recent crash. Understanding the data can help you put things into perspective and remind you that the likelihood of a plane crash is still very low.

“We hear more about plane crashes these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s more likely to happen to you,” Dr. Skolnick explains. “The majority of flights do not crash. We tend to react strongly to the latest news, so it’s important to see the bigger picture.”

For instance, in January 2025, there were 62 reported airplane accidents across the U.S., compared to 80 the previous year. Over the last 15 years, fatalities on commercial airlines have actually decreased, making air travel safer than ever. The reason we’re hearing more about crashes now is because they involved commercial airlines, rather than private planes, and some of these crashes tragically resulted in fatalities. But remember, just because crashes have been more visible lately doesn’t mean every plane is at risk.

Make a Plan for the Flight
What will you do to pass the time during your flight? Have a strategy ready — whether that’s reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a movie. Keeping your mind occupied with a healthy distraction will help reduce anxiety and prevent you from fixating on worst-case scenarios, says Dr. Skolnick.

Try Relaxation Techniques
If you’re feeling tense, practicing relaxation exercises can help calm your body. Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation (which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups) or deep breathing can help soothe your nervous system, according to Dr. Skolnick.

Reflect on Past Experiences
Think about all the flights you’ve taken in the past and remember that you’ve always arrived safely. Every time you land without issue, it’s proof that your fear of crashing doesn’t have to be a reality.

It’s also helpful to acknowledge that some level of risk is part of life. “Just like driving a car, crossing the street, or even walking outside, there’s always an element of risk,” says Dr. Skolnick. “We face uncertainty every day, so recalling moments when you’ve been able to cope with risk and uncertainty can help when you’re flying.”

If you’re still feeling anxious, that’s completely okay. Give yourself time and use these strategies when needed. And if your anxiety is affecting your mental health, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist.

The reality is, flying is still one of the safest ways to travel. It allows us to visit loved ones, explore new destinations, and learn from others. With a bit of time and perhaps some support, I hope it will feel safe and exciting again for all of us soon.