The aviation industry has recently been beset by several challenges. First, I need to acknowledge the loss of life on the most recent tragedy in LaGuardia, where two pilots lost their lives as their jet collided with an emergency truck on the runway. Luckily, there were no other fatalities. Then we have the partial government shutdown, which is creating long lines and generating significant passenger frustration nationwide. I’ve read about security lines in places like Houston and Atlanta reaching over five hours. There was a recent report of a close call between two airliners that came within 300 feet of one another in the air. And in 2025, we had two major accidents which also resulted in the loss of lives. It’s been a flurry of bad news for the industry over the past 12-15 months.
I’m an airline pilot and also a frequent consumer of airline travel for personal use. In other words, I spend a LOT of time in airports. I do want to assure all of you that flying commercially today is still extremely safe. Prior to 2025, the US domestic commercial airliner track record was sterling. The industry suffered only one fatality on commercial airliners between 2010 and 2024. Compare that to the number of fatalities that occur on the road. Now, in my book, one fatality is one too many. But when you put it in context, that’s an excellent record, and as someone who flies commercial jets, makes me very proud to be part of an industry that truly does put safety first. However, when one talks about aviation safety, it’s not a binary discussion. Flying hasn’t gone from being “safe” to now being “unsafe”. But challenges are rising. Last year, the government shutdown forced air traffic controllers to work unpaid for over a month. This caused callouts and understaffing. Meanwhile, airlines keep adding flights because Americans love to travel and the demand is there. So, where there’s demand, companies will try to supply that demand in our capitalistic society. There is also a pilot shortage, although it has abated more recently, but the fact is that more inexperienced pilots are being thrust into positions that, although they have the training, with not as much experience. Putting all of this together, the safety pendulum has shifted a bit as areas of the operation are understaffed yet airlines keep adding flights to the system. Now, to be clear, I still would absolutely fly myself and my family in the system. It is still incredibly safe. But things need to be addressed before things get worse.
Finally, with TSA not being funded and long lines, flying in today’s environment is not an enjoyable experience. Everyone hates going through TSA as it is, and now we have
to wait in lines for hours just to get through security. Airports are crowded with people rushing to their flights. Airlines, while doing their best, fall short of customer service and comfort. We get a cup of water and a bag containing five pretzels and are told, “thank you so much for flying BLANK airlines”. Maintenance issues occur and long delays ensue since even maintenance crews are short staffed. Again, as someone who works within the industry and travels extensively, I see it from all angles. Passenger comfort and convenience have been drastically reduced over the last number of years, and mostly in the name of squeezing out more profits. As someone who loves to travel and be in the system, I really do not find it enjoyable anymore as a passenger (but I still LOVE to fly those airplanes).
How does this all get fixed? I don’t know. In the short-term, Congress needs to get their act together and fund these critical departments and avoid future shutdowns. Government shutdowns were exceedingly rare until the last five years, until our ultra-political polarization had taken over. Airlines need to do a better job taking care of their passengers, both in general customer service as well as products/services offered. Staffing of air traffic controllers must also increase as many of them are overworked.
I’m not trying to paint a picture of doom and gloom here. It’s still safe to travel. Very safe. But the industry needs a major overhaul now before things get worse, people get more frustrated, and more people lose their lives. I never say fly safe to my loved ones because it is safe. My saying is “smooth travels”. Smooth travels to all of you.
Aviation Safety vs Comfort
