FiveThirtyEight Politics
No, It's Not Getting More Dangerous To Fly
Feb 27, 2025
Harry Enten, CNN's senior data reporter and former FiveThirtyEight member, dives into the recent spike in Americans' fear of flying following a tragic crash. He and Galen reveal how political affiliation impacts perceptions of flight safety, with trust plummeting among Democrats while Republicans remain unchanged. They explore historical trends in aviation incidents and discuss how partisanship shapes public opinion. The conversation also lightens up with airline etiquette trivia, adding a humorous twist to the serious topic of flying fears.
38:48
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Quick takeaways
- Recent high-profile airline accidents have heightened Americans' fear of flying, yet statistical data shows aviation remains extremely safe overall.
- Trust in flying safety has polarized along partisan lines, with Democrats and independents showing increased anxiety compared to Republicans.
Deep dives
Impact of Recent Airline Crashes on Public Perception
Several recent airline crashes have significantly affected Americans’ perceptions of flying safety, with a notable incident involving an American Airlines jet colliding with a helicopter resulting in 67 fatalities. Following this, many smaller plane crashes and incidents have received media coverage, contributing to a growing anxiety amongst travelers. Polls indicate that the percentage of Americans who perceive flying as unsafe has risen from 12% to 20% within a year. Interestingly, the decline in trust regarding air travel safety appears to be more pronounced among Democrats and independents than among Republicans, highlighting a possible shift in perceptions influenced by political affiliation.
