Probability of Dying in a Plane Crash
1 in 11,000,000 per flight
Per-event probability in GLOBAL
The odds of dying in a commercial plane crash are about 1 in 11 million per flight, making flying the safest form of long-distance travel.
Commercial aviation is extraordinarily safe. The odds of dying in a plane crash on a major commercial airline are approximately 1 in 11 million per flight, according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board and aviation safety analyses. This makes flying statistically the safest form of long-distance transportation by a wide margin.
In comparison, the risk of dying in a car crash per trip of comparable distance is thousands of times higher. The 2017-2023 period saw zero fatal crashes on US Part 121 (major airline) carriers in several years. Global commercial aviation fatalities have been trending downward for decades thanks to improved aircraft design, better pilot training, enhanced air traffic control, and a strong safety culture.
The safest airlines generally operate newer fleets, have strong safety records, and are based in countries with rigorous regulatory oversight (FAA, EASA). Statistically, your greatest flight risk is the car ride to the airport. Turbulence, while uncomfortable, almost never causes structural damage to modern aircraft. Sitting near emergency exits, listening to safety briefings, and keeping your seatbelt fastened when seated are simple precautions.
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