Out of State Students Anxious After Recent Plane Crashes

Recent headlines about plane crashes across the United States have sparked widespread concern, and Florida A&M University’s out-of-state students are feeling the weight of this fear as they consider traveling home. For many, the excitement of upcoming breaks is now overshadowed by anxiety about air travel.

While commercial aviation remains statistically safe, the recent spike in reported crashes has shaken the confidence of many travelers. In the past few months alone, multiple incidents involving both major airlines and smaller aircraft have dominated news cycles.

Though federal investigators stress that these events remain rare, the heightened media coverage has created a sense of vulnerability, especially among students who rely on air travel for long-distance trips.

For out-of-state students, flying is often the most practical option to return home during school breaks. Long drives are not only exhausting but also expensive, making air travel the usual go-to solution. However, with plane crashes dominating headlines, many students are questioning whether the convenience of flying is worth the anxiety that now comes with it.

Destiny Jackson, a theater performance major, admits that the recent plane crashes have caught her attention but haven’t completely shaken her confidence in flying.

“I would be lying if I said the influx of plane crashes lately didn’t concern me,” Jackson admitted. “But I do wonder if it is just simply a matter of them being more publicized in the media than in previous years. However, I try not to allow myself to fixate on things that I cannot control and just pray to God for my continued protection.”

When asked if the concerns had influenced her travel plans, Jackson remained practical.

“I wouldn’t say I necessarily plan on doing anything differently, aside from staying educated on the ways in which to give myself the greatest chance of survival—God forbid the need ever arose,” Jackson said.

For students who travel within the state but cover long distances, the concern is just as real. Ijon Richardson, a business major, frequently travels for work down south and back, and even short flights within Florida now feel uncertain.

“Traveling for my job has always been second nature to me,” Richardson said. “But with everything going on, I can’t help but second-guess every trip. It’s one thing to worry about flying across the country, but when you’re anxious about a one-hour flight within the state, it really puts things into perspective.”

For students like Richardson, the fear extends beyond just personal anxiety. It impacts their ability to move efficiently for work, school, and family obligations. A trip that once felt routine now comes with a mental checklist of what-ifs, leaving many to reconsider their options.

Despite his concerns, Richardson continues to travel but remains cautious.

“I try to stay focused and not let fear control me,” he explained. “I stay aware, pay attention to safety procedures, and just trust that everything will be okay. But it’s definitely harder to board a plane without thinking about what I’ve been seeing in the news.”

As travel season approaches, the conversation around plane safety will undoubtedly continue. 

Students are left balancing the practicality of air travel with the emotional toll that comes with it. For many, the choice isn’t just about convenience anymore—it’s about peace of mind.

“I’m still nervous,” Jackson admitted, “but knowing I’m not alone and having resources to lean on makes it a little easier to plan my trip home.”