Expert: D. Norkus - 10/10/2007

Question
Ms. Norkus:
    My name is Tony Graham. I am terrified to fly but when I do have to fly I ONLY fly Southwest because of their excellent safety record. However, my soon attends college in Atlanta flies home on Air Tran (to Baltimore). I'm aware of their unfortunate history as Valu Jet so I'm a "nervous wreck" when he has to fly. I've also flown Air Tran without incident. In your HONEST opinion is Air Tran safe? Have they resolved all of thier issues? Delta is basically the only other option in Atlanta. Do you think Southwest is the SAFEST airline? I really appreciate your taking the time to answer my question. Thanks.  -Tony

Answer
Tony

Honestly, I don't believe that Air Tran has any safety issues. I'd fly on them...and probably nap the whole way. The present day Air Tran was merged/purchased by ValuJet in 1997 who took on their name. The Everglades accident that ValuJet is so infamous for was not completely their fault as cargo that was unsafe to load was put on board and caused an uncontrollable fire. Since then, safety measures have been put into effect that won't let such a scenario to happen again. Any "issues" that the airline may have had before their merger have long since been addressed. You and your son should have no worries.

The same goes for Delta & Southwest. Delta has been around since 1928 and SWA is a relative 'newcomer' with a mere 36 years in business. Both are very safe. (But truth be told, I simply love the "Luv Airline"!) The safety standards that the U.S. airlines must comply with are pretty high. As an airline pilot, speaking for all of us, I can say that if there is anything questionable about an aircraft or the weather enroute we will defer the flight until it is resolved or we feel it is safe to go. Always remember: We want to get to our destination just as safely as you do!

More importantly, I wonder what has you so terrified to fly???

As a pilot I occasionally meet fearful passengers and I really want to know what concerns them so. Personally, I think the media sensationalizes aviation incidents far too much, perpetuating that "unsafe image" that many have about flying- especially for the infrequent traveler. Every incident that occurs becomes a MAJOR life or death crisis when reported on the news! So UNTRUE...and frustrating for someone who knows better. This only serves to terrify the general public and create a fear of flying amongst some people. Don't put too much faith into what you see on the news. Every time they cover aviation I notice the reports are technically inaccurate and sensationalized to get higher ratings. An example was the JetBlue malfunctioning nose gear incident at LAX. There was never any doubt in my mind that those people would walk off that airplane unscathed. (Maybe not so much for the plane though.) Yet if you watched the news, they would have you believe that those folks were in their last moments. Absolutely ridiculous but proof drama sells.

I can't really help you get to the core of your flying issues via this forum. However I do suggest this one- http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com
I think that maybe it can address some of your concerns and make you become a better flier by helping you understand a lot of things that many passengers are uninformed or misinformed about.

Good luck. Hope this can make you feel a bit better!
Dottie