Does flying make your palms sweat more than rush hour gridlock? You’re not alone. For nearly half of Americans, air travel tops the list of anxiety-inducing ways to get around—more than any other form of transportation.
A recent survey of more 1,000 U.S. travelers by JW Surety Bonds revealed that 48 percent feel most anxious when flying, and some airlines cause more anxiety than others. Spirit Airlines tops the list of stress-inducing carriers, followed by Frontier, American, United and Southwest. Conversely, Delta Air Lines ranks highest for making passengers feel safe.
Regardless of airlines, turbulence, safety history, service reputation and negative media coverage are the main factors that contribute to airline anxiety. More than a third of respondents said travel anxiety can be so bad that it affects their career or personal life, and one in 10 has turned down a job because of it.
On the road, things aren’t exactly chill either. More than a quarter of respondents report feeling anxious about taking public transportation, and 14 percent expressed anxiety about driving. Reckless drivers and the fear of running out of gas top the list of on-the-road stressors, more than missing a flight or even losing luggage. Train travel causes the least amount of anxiety.
Despite all this anxiety, travelers tough it out and adjust. A full 84% plan around their fears, building in buffer time or using tactics like music, podcasts and deep breathing to cope.
Whether you’re clutching the armrest at 30,000 feet or white-knuckling it through a road trip, travel anxiety is real. But if you take things in stride and find ways to cope, you'll get to your destination with ease. And this anxiety may be unfounded at times, because, believe it or not, some of these anxiety-inducing airlines have actually been named some of the best overall.
Most anxiety-inducing airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- Allegiant Air
- Alaska Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines