Air Travel in 2025
Greetings, Wanderers!
For those who don’t know, I’m an early bird. I love waking up at 5 or 5:30 a.m. to practice yoga or lift weights. But last week, I wasn’t feeling either. Instead, I hustled to the gym and decided on a steep incline walk, figuring it would help prep me for those hikes we have planned in Peru this October!
About 20 minutes in, CNN ran a tragic story about yet another plane crash this year. My heart sank. The woman next to me turned and said, “I know I’m not flying this year—same as a lot of other people!”
Again, my heart sank.
I laughed nervously and said, “Oh, please don’t tell me that—I’m a travel advisor and own a small business!”
We got to talking, and while the conversation itself wasn’t all that memorable, what stuck with me was the thought of people avoiding travel due to fear of “airline safety.”
Now, I’m no expert in aerodynamics or aircraft mechanics, but I do want to share some insights—along with a few tips and tricks—that might help ease some minds.
Is Air Travel Safer Than Ever?
Did you know that, according to the IATA Safety Report, the worldwide death risk per boarding between 2018 and 2022 was 1 in 13.7 million? To put that into perspective, you’re far more likely to be killed in a shark attack—or give birth to quadruplets—than to die in a plane crash.
Recent years have been some of the safest in air travel history. In 2019, there were 23 plane crashes worldwide. Compare that to 1979, when there were 78. Pilots and crew undergo extensive training for every possible scenario.
With today’s constant exposure to news and social media, it’s easy to feel like air travel is riskier than it actually is. That’s why I always encourage travelers to look at the big picture and gather information from multiple sources before making any decisions.
Ways to Change Your Own Narrative
Conquer That Flying Anxiety!
Time.com offers great tips, including:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants on flight day
Adopt a simple mantra to repeat when feeling nervous
Lean on supportive travel companions
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The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the U.S. State Department.
It provides:
Safety alerts (terrorism, health, weather, etc.)
Travel advisories (country-specific risks & precautions)
Emergency assistance (embassy support if needed) -
Before your trip, visit the State Department’s website for country-specific travel guidance. Remember, these are just recommendations—always do your own research to determine what’s best for you.
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I dedicated a whole email to this a few months back, and with high travel season approaching, it might be time for another one! Travel insurance protects you from the unexpected—delays, medical emergencies, lost baggage—you name it.
At the end of the day, what feels comfortable to you might not feel the same for your parents, siblings, neighbors, or coworkers—and that’s okay! Just don’t let the news (or Beatrice from next door) scare you out of a lifelong dream.
In Case You Missed It
I’m fundraising for Planeterra, an organization that uses travel to uplift communities worldwide. Tourism is an $8 trillion industry, yet many communities see little benefit. Planeterra changes that by partnering with local businesses to ensure travel dollars support the people at the heart of each destination. I’ve set a $1,000 fundraising goal as part of their Changemakers initiative, and every donation, big or small, makes a difference. If this mission resonated with you, I’d love your support!
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping make travel a true force for good!
Cheers,
Hannah
P.S. If small-group tours led by locals and hands-on experiences speak to you, reach out! I’d love to share some amazing G Adventures options so you can dive in and experience it all for yourself.
