Is it safe to fly after a long break?

In brief

• Flying after a long break is completely safe
• The longer you avoid flying, the more the anxiety can build
• There are practical things you can do to regain confidence and fly calmly

Is it safe to fly again after a long break?

If you haven’t flown for years, is it safe to step back on a plane after a long break?

Let’s deal with it straight away. Flying is as safe as it’s ever been, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get on a plane and enjoy the freedom, fun, and opportunities available to you. 

Why are some people worried about flying again? It’s often related to the ‘C’ word. During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people stopped flying altogether. The global pandemic was an awful time for many of us, especially those who experience anxiety.

Even after COVID-19 is consigned to the past, some travellers are now only just considering their first trip in years. 

Of course, there are other reasons you may not have flown in a while. Others may be returning after time away due to health concerns, financial reasons, or lifestyle changes. 

You may just want a holiday!

Let’s look at why it’s safe to fly after a long break and how you can reduce some of your anxieties if you’re stepping on board after a while away.

Understanding aviation safety

Commercial air travel is probably the safest form of transport. 

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the 2023 accident rate was one major accident for every 1.26 million flights. That’s a record high in safety terms. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also reports that fatalities in commercial aviation remain exceptionally rare.

It’s true that there have been some fatal accidents recently. These have had a huge profile and, for those afraid of flying, are a cause of anxiety. 

Flying is incredibly safe, but it’s not risk-free. There’s a chance you could be in an accident, but it’s vanishingly small. 

The safety of flying does not diminish because you personally haven’t been on a plane for some time. 

The truth is that aircraft are rigorously maintained and pilots undergo continual training. The rigorous international safety standards are enforced regardless of how long it’s been since you last flew. 

In terms of operational safety, the answer is yes: it is safe to fly again after years away.

Statistically, you’re safer flying anywhere than you are driving, cycling, sailing, or walking.

The health perspective

For many travellers, concerns about returning to flying are more personal than technical. 

There are a couple of common questions and concerns:

• Is my body ready for the experience?
• What are the risks of infection?

Let’s take a look at these two issues and answer your questions.

Is my body ready for the experience?

Sitting for long periods, changes in cabin pressure, and the lower humidity in aircraft cabins can all affect the body. If you have a pre-existing health condition (or multiple conditions), then the stresses and strains on your body may be worse. 

For example, the NHS advises that those at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should take precautions on long flights, such as moving around regularly, wearing compression stockings, and staying hydrated.

If you’ve developed new health conditions since your last flight, then it’s worth speaking with a healthcare professional before booking. We’re able to provide general information but it’s vital you speak to a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about you and your health.

What about infection risks?

Air travel was closely linked in public perception to the spread of COVID-19. The ventilation systems on modern aircraft are highly effective, and use healthcare-standard HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of airborne particles. 

The reality is that the close proximity to other passengers still carries some risk of viral transmission.

While aircraft cabins are safe environments, observing standard precautions like keeping your hands clean can massively reduce your likelihood of developing an infection, says the World Health Organization. 

People with weakened or compromised immune systems should be more cautious. Again, don’t rely on information and advice from the internet. Instead, speak to a medical professional.

Psychology and flight safety

You’re on a website about flying above fear, so it’s clear that you want some advice and help. We know that one of the biggest barriers to flying after a long break isn’t a physical one but a psychological one.

Flying anxiety after time away

Many people feel more nervous about flying after years on the ground. 

For some, the break has allowed fears to resurface or grow unchecked. Psychologists note that avoidance can strengthen phobias.

The longer you avoid flying, the more intimidating the activity can become. You create an ever-bigger psychological barrier to getting on the plane.

But this doesn’t mean the fear you’re feeling isn’t rational. As we’ve explored in detail, flight anxiety is common and rooted in understandable concerns. We can all identify with the lack of control, fear of heights, lack of control, or worries about safety. 

In the end, statistics don’t lie. Commercial flying is significantly safer than driving, cycling, or even walking. While it may not feel like it, you’re better off in the air.

Rebuilding confidence in the air

Fear of flying is common, and there are lots of things that you can do to help yourself.

Breathing exercises, distraction techniques, or guided meditations can also support anxious travellers. Airlines across the world offer fear-of-flying courses, combining psychological support with practical education about aviation safety.

For those with an acute fear of flying, CBT therapy can help to challenge your current perspective and refocus your mind. Some people may want to use medication (after consultation with a medical professional).

What’s important is that you find ways that you can get on that plane with confidence, knowing that you’ll be safe and secure.

Practical steps to prepare for your return to flying

If you’re planning your first flight after years away, preparation can make the experience smoother. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it is based on personal experience about ways to reduce anxiety:

• Check your health: If you have concerns about your health before you fly, always speak with a healthcare professional. Don’t rely on internet doctors or impersonal advice.
• Choose the right flight: A shorter journey may help you re-familiarise yourself with the experience of flying (and the frustration of airports). Shorter flights can build confidence. Always choose your seat, too.
• Plan for comfort: Try to make the experience of flying as fun as possible. Bring water, comfortable clothing, and anything that helps you relax (noise-cancelling headphones, reading material, or a downloaded playlist).
• Arrive early: Rushing through airports adds unnecessary stress, so get there as early as you can. Relax, unwind, and be a flight pro.
• Set realistic expectations: Flying rarely goes 100% smoothly. Accepting minor delays or inconveniences as part of the process can reduce anxiety.
• Confidence is a mask: Don’t become a victim in your own story. Visualise yourself as a confident, calm, and professional passenger. Think confidently and act confidently (even if you’re struggling a little inside).
• Download the Fly Above Fear Calm Flight Toolkit: this is packed full of information, advice, tools, and techniques to help you fly above your fear, not through it. 

So, is it safe to fly after a long break?

In short: yes, flying after a long break is safe. 

As we’ve explained, aircraft remain as reliable and secure as ever, and for most healthy people, there are no additional risks in returning to the skies.

Truth is that safe doesn’t always mean comfortable or easy. In fact, getting on a plane may always be a challenge for some people. The key is preparation, self-awareness, and (if needed), professional support.

If you haven’t flown in a while, you might be pleasantly surprised. Aircraft are cleaner, airports are more digital, and airlines are more attuned to passenger needs than ever before. 

Go on, book that flight and be the confident traveller you want to be.

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