REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
While air travel is deemed the safest mode of transportation, the thought of a plane going down can be terrifying. It is always a nightmare for travellers. This is especially because we all know that in case of a plane crash, the chances of survival are often slim, almost nonexistent.
The idea of such a rare but potentially devastating incident can make even the calmest flyer anxious. But just how common are plane crashes, and should we really be worried?
On average, there are about 100 or fewer (way fewer) plane crashes every year globally. Now, before that number scares you, note that most of these crashes are not fatal, and many happen with smaller planes or in remote areas. These might be private jets, small commercial flights, or cargo planes rather than the large passenger jets most of us fly on.
In 2022, for example, there were 39 total plane crashes, but only five of them involved fatalities. So, while the number of crashes might seem high, the number of deadly incidents is quite small, especially considering that there are more than 100,000 flights a day worldwide. That is millions of flights per year.
Pilots undergo extensive training and are highly skilled professionals, but they are still human. Factors like fatigue, stress, or even miscommunication with co-pilots can lead to mistakes.
In some cases, pressure during critical moments can cause lapses in judgment. Thankfully, airlines constantly work to improve pilot training and decision-making protocols to minimise these risks.
Despite regular maintenance and inspections, mechanical failures can still occur. This could involve issues with the engines, navigation systems, or other critical components. While airlines adhere to strict maintenance schedules and advanced technology, which helps monitor the condition of an aircraft, unexpected problems can still arise.
Extreme weather conditions can pose significant challenges to pilots. Thunderstorms, heavy winds, and ice can all make flying more dangerous. While pilots are trained to navigate through or around bad weather, sometimes conditions can change rapidly, creating difficult situations.
It might sound surprising, but birds can occasionally collide with planes, especially during takeoff and landing. While these incidents are usually not catastrophic, they can still cause damage to the aircraft. Airports use various strategies to minimise bird activity nearby, such as habitat management and using sounds to deter birds.
There are other less common factors that can contribute to plane crashes, such as sabotage, terrorism, or ground crew errors during takeoff and landing. However, these events are very rare and are met with strict security measures designed to protect passengers and crew.
There are only a few plane crashes recorded annually. Fewer of those involve large commercial flights, and even fewer are fatal. When you consider the millions of flights that happen each year, flying remains one of the safest ways to travel.
If you feel nervous about plane crashes, it might help to remember that flying is far less risky than other everyday activities like driving a car. The chances of being involved in a fatal plane crash are so low that you are more likely to have an accident in your own home than be involved in a crash.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
If you want the latest information on the best Hotel Executive Club Lounges, Hotel Kids Clubs and other travel information, be sure to sign up for our free newsletter full of tips and great travel ideas.
