Hi,

I am very nervous flyer and am booked on a MD-88 both ways of my round trip. I googled them and am not feeling much better....were changes made after the alaska airline crash? Are they all very old? Do they have the newer technology that a much younger airplane has? SHould I switch to the 757 that is also offered, although the arrival times not as convenient? Thanks to anyone who answers all this, I am a really panicky flyer!!

you will be fine.

It wasn't the "technology" of the plane that failed, it was the maintenance. Personally, I avoid them like the plague (I've been on them only 2x since the Alaska crash) as I was on the plane that crashed earlier that same day. But the "failed" part is probably the most heavily tested/replaced part of the plane. The "technology" is of the same era of a lot of the aircraft in the skies.

That has been how many years ago??? There hasn't been another MD-8x or 9x accident since in the US. That really shouldn't be a major concern.

As far as the 757 goes, haven't they been around just a long or longer than MD-88? The 88 series in the MD aircraft is a newer designation.

Edit: Airdisaster.com shows the plane that crashed as an MD-83, it came out of the factory in 1992, that's a pretty young aircraft. Look at how old the DC-9s are that NW is flying around.e

I avoid them, but not because of safety, I just hate them. This aircraft makes my ears hurt more than any other - we're talking blinding pain here. This is the single reason I don't fly AA, as the MD80 series is almost impossible to avoid.

I seem to always have this luck...last flight I took was on a DC 10 from Gatwick to Detroit and then a DC 9 to Lexington. Ashtrays, film projector, etc. Had to have about 4 mimosas as 8 am to even get aboard! Thanks to everyone who has replied. Are they statiscally much worse than 757 as far as crashes? Is there any new technology (yes, I realize how uneducated I sound but can't think of better word) that the MD 88 is lacking that newer planes have that is very important? Does anybody actually like the MD 88?

For US airlines, statistics regarding accident rates of particular airlines or aircraft models are well into the statistical noise range. The accidents are too rare to draw any conclusions.

Aren't tail mounted engine jets such as 717/727, DC-9, MD-80/90s, and such actually quieter in the cabin, because the engine is way in the back? Except, of course, for the few seats near the engine.

Aircrafts are very reliable when properly maintained, as most US airlines are. 10-20 year old planes fly without any problem. I wouldn't worry.

New 717s, yes. Old MadDogs, no.

WELCOME TO FLYERTALK!!!!

You'll be fine; enjoy your flight.

Avoiding a certain type of equipment because one crashed many years ago doesn't make sense. If you follow this logic, you should also avoid 737's (USAir Pittsburgh crash and United Colorado Springs), DC-9's (ValueJet in the Everglades) 747's (TWA over Long Island Sound), MD-11's (Swissair near Nova Scotia).. you get my point I hope...

If you're a nervous flyer, I recommend a double vodka tonic with a squeeze of lime.

MD80's are built like a freight train. Very solid. Simple, very reliable systems. As a pilot, they are built much better than the Boeings. i.e. thiker sheet metal, more rivits, etc. An MD88 will have modern EFIS avionics, a flight management system and all of the required safety equipment such as Enhanced GPWS, RVSM air data computers/altimeters and TCAS.

Given the choice, I'd pick a flight on an MD88 over one on a 757 because the MD80/DC9 line has only one middle-seat per row instead of two.

I like MD-88's. With Delta short hops, it's usually that or an RJ. So, it wins on comfort points. You have addressed a group of experienced flyers. Most of us couldn't do our jobs without flying, although I suppose there's more than one John Madden out there. There is nothing to worry about, because something seriously bad almost never happens. Your fear, as I'm sure you know, is irrational. You should consider visiting a therapist to learn how to relax and enjoy travel. Or drugs and alcohol work most of the time, too.

Mileage Addict, thanks for the welcome. Its not so much the crash record that worrys me, more the thought that the planes are so old and maybe not as reliable or high tech as new ones. Also, for some reason feel safer on Boeing made planes than MDs. Is there any in flight entertainment? Besides me having a panic attack! I read an article about the teflon being almost completely gone on an MD model a few years ago (again, have no idea what I am talking about or what that means, but it was part of my Google education under MD 88 problems!) and it makes me wonder what else is almost worn out that hasn't been discovered yet. Also hate heights, am clausterphobic, and worry about death quite a bit , and have had pretty bad luck with family and friends being involved in airplane accidents so that probably adds to everything!

BamaVol, how many times do you fly a year? Have you ever had an emergency landing or any sort of problem? LarryJ, thanks so much for the info, that really does help a lot.

You should be worried--about the trip to and from the airport. The plane, not so much.