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.
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ANECDOTE

Shared Flight to Boise

  • Galen Druke and Harry Enten recall a shared flight to Boise, Idaho, marked by turbulence and anxiety.
  • Enten remembers Druke gripping his hand and having a curdled Bailey's and Coke Zero.
ANECDOTE

Train Trip Mishaps

  • Enten describes a childhood train trip from New York City to Miami, which involved good pancakes and two accidents.
  • The train hit a fire truck and possibly a bicyclist, highlighting that no transportation is perfectly safe.
INSIGHT

Flying Safety Statistics

  • Despite recent events, flying remains statistically the safest travel mode.
  • The most dangerous part is often the ground transportation to and from the airport.
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