Mental Health
Travelers Avoid Boeing Airplanes Out of Fear: 'Not Willing to Take That Risk'
In the wake of recent flight problems and safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft, nervous fliers are increasingly turning to alternative planes, prayer, and medication to alleviate their anxiety.
The shift in response toward Boeing gained momentum following a series of incidents, notably the January event where a panel covering the space for an unused emergency door blew off an Alaska Airlines jetliner mid-flight.
Although the pilots safely landed the Boeing 737 Max 9, the incident has left a lasting impact on many travelers, including Leila Amineddoleh, who expressed reluctance to board Boeing aircraft despite statistical safety assurances.
"I just can't step on that plane," the New Jersey art lawyer told NBC News. "Even if the chance of getting hurt on a Boeing flight, even with all these incidents, is slim."
Stephanie Walls, another traveler, revealed that her usual practice of praying during flights wasn't sufficient to ease her apprehensions, leading her to re-book flights on Airbus planes instead of Boeing aircraft.
Similarly, Adrian Rojas, citing fear of flying, has sought therapy and relies on anti-anxiety medication when traveling.
He now specifically avoids Boeing's Max series planes and adjusts his travel plans accordingly to mitigate mental health concerns.
"I just know that it's something I would be thinking about a lot right as I get on the plane, so I'm just trying to limit that for my mental health," Rojas said, per Fox Business.
The increased scrutiny on Boeing has prompted a significant shift in traveler behavior, with platforms like Kayak reporting a 15-fold surge in users utilizing aircraft filters to identify specific plane models before booking flights.
Recent developments include a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice into the Alaska Airlines incident, along with an acknowledgment from Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, regarding the company's commitment to addressing concerns and improving safety standards.
Despite these assurances, apprehensions persist among travelers, reflecting broader concerns about air safety and the specific challenges facing Boeing.
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