Fear of flying takes off — here’s how to cope with in-flight anxiety

New York Post - Apr 24th, 2025

Adelynn Campbell's fear of flying intensified after a deadly air collision in Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 25 years. This incident has led to increased anxiety among passengers, with psychologists and flight attendants reporting heightened fear even among those who previously felt comfortable flying. Campbell, who manages a coffee shop in San Diego, now finds the prospect of flying more stressful, a sentiment echoed by others as U.S. air travel numbers decline.

The January crash has reignited discussions around aerophobia, an anxiety disorder affecting millions of adults in the U.S. While statistics show flying is safe, experts emphasize that reasoning can't alleviate such fears. Instead, strategies like deep breathing, exposure therapy, and practice flights are recommended to help individuals manage their anxiety. The story underscores the complex interplay of personal fears, recent tragic events, and the broader impact on air travel confidence, highlighting the need for supportive measures for anxious travelers.

American Airlines Flight Anxiety Air Disaster Fear Of Flying Jennifer Dragonette David Carbonell Adelynn Campbell Aerophobia

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively addresses the timely and important issue of flying anxiety, particularly in light of recent aviation incidents. It provides a clear and engaging narrative that is accessible to a general audience, with a focus on personal experiences and expert insights. However, the article could benefit from more balanced perspectives and detailed sourcing to enhance its accuracy and credibility. While it has the potential to influence public opinion and spark discussion, its impact may be limited by the lack of direct engagement and the absence of a broader range of viewpoints. Overall, the article is a well-written exploration of a relevant topic, but it could be strengthened by addressing some of the identified weaknesses in sourcing and balance.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the general increase in anxiety related to flying, particularly following a significant aviation incident involving an American Airlines jet and a helicopter. The claim about this being the deadliest U.S. air disaster in almost a quarter-century is specific and, if verified, adds precision to the report. However, the article mentions anecdotal evidence from psychologists and flight attendants without providing detailed data or direct quotes from studies or reports, which could enhance the factual accuracy. The mention of TSA statistics and polling by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggests an effort to ground claims in data, but these are not directly cited or detailed, leaving some statements needing further verification.

Balance

The article presents perspectives from individuals with flying anxiety, psychologists, and flight attendants, which provides a range of viewpoints on the issue. However, it largely focuses on the negative aspects of flying anxiety without equally exploring counterarguments or providing insights from airline representatives or safety experts who might offer reassurances or different perspectives on air travel safety. This could lead to an imbalanced view that emphasizes fear over safety and rationality, potentially skewing the reader's perception.

Clarity

The article is generally well-structured and uses clear language to convey the issue of flying anxiety and its potential causes. It logically flows from introducing the problem to discussing its implications and potential coping strategies. The tone is neutral, and the information is presented in a way that is accessible to a general audience, making it easy to follow and understand. However, the lack of detailed sourcing slightly detracts from the overall clarity concerning the factual basis of some claims.

Source quality

The sources cited in the article include psychologists and flight attendants, which provide some authority on the topic of flying anxiety. However, the article lacks direct quotes or data from recognized aviation safety experts or official reports from organizations like the FAA, which could enhance the credibility and reliability of its claims. The absence of named sources for the TSA statistics and Associated Press-NORC polling also weakens the source quality, as readers cannot easily verify these claims.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the increase in flying anxiety and mentions various sources of information, such as psychologists and TSA statistics. However, it does not thoroughly disclose the methodology or provide detailed references for its claims, such as specific statistics or study results. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to fully understand the basis of the claims or assess the potential biases that might affect the article's impartiality.