2. “Are we going to crash?”
Whether intended as a dark joke during a bit of turbulence or asked in a moment of genuine panic, this question is profoundly unhelpful. Commercial air travel is extraordinarily safe. The pilots in the cockpit and the attendants in the cabin are trained extensively to handle a vast range of situations, including severe weather. Bumps and jostles are a normal part of flying, much like feeling the bumps in the road while driving a car.
Asking this question can have a ripple effect. In the confined social space of an airplane cabin, anxiety is contagious. Your question, even if you’re trying to be funny, can trigger genuine fear in an already nervous flyer sitting next to you. This is a psychological phenomenon known as social proof, where people look to others for cues on how to react in an uncertain situation. If you signal panic, others might follow suit, creating a more stressful environment for everyone.
Flight attendants are trained to project calm and control. They are constantly monitoring the situation and receiving updates from the flight deck. If there were a real emergency, they would be the ones giving you clear, life-saving instructions, not answering panicked questions. Voicing this fear puts them in the position of having to manage your emotions on top of their operational duties.
If you are a genuinely nervous flyer, there are better strategies. Try to inform the cabin crew discreetly as you board. A quiet word like, “Hi, I just wanted to let you know I tend to get anxious during turbulence. Any reassurance you could offer during the flight would be a great help,” can work wonders. This frames you as a self-aware passenger, not an alarmist. During the flight, focus on your breathing, listen to calming music, or watch a movie. Trust in the professionals whose entire career is dedicated to your safety.
