Airline Safety Overview

They say that flying is safer than driving, but 9/11 showed the world that air travel is not without its dangers.  Tightened security measures have become a reality at most airports around the world, and quite naturally, airline safety is on everyone’s minds.  But realistically, there is very little you can do to decrease the likelihood of a terrorist attack.  You should certainly keep an eye out for suspicious activity, but your primary focus should be on those aspects of airline safety that are in your immediate control.  Let the airlines and airport security handle the larger threats.  They have training, technology, and access that far exceed your own.  To learn more about some of the heightened security measures, please read our section on Airport Security. 

Rather than worry about intangible threats and potential security dangers, make sure that you handle more personal concerns like theft, dehydration, and deep venous thrombosis.  These are the real culprits of air travel. 

Watch Your Belongings at All Times

Your belongings should be with you throughout the duration of your travels.  If you have check-in luggage, make sure that it remains with you until you physically hand it to the appropriate airport personnel at the counter.  And if you have carry-ons, jackets, and other miscellaneous items, these things should never be out of your sight.  Even if you have to use the restroom, take these things with you.  You should never leave your belongings with a stranger, and you should never leave your belongings unattended. 

Constant Hydration

As a general rule of thumb, you should consume at least 8 ounces (236 ml) of water for every hour that you are in the air.  Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, and you’ll tend to lose moisture much more quickly than normal.  You should also avoid alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages, caffeinated tea, and any other types of beverages or diuretics that could potentially dehydrate you. 

Traveling with a Medical Condition

If you have a medical condition that requires prescription drugs or various types of equipment (wheelchairs, inhalers, etc), we invite you to read our two sections on Traveling with Prescription Medication and Traveling with a Disability. 

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