Spoiler: Don’t be too worried.

The pros are on it.

iStockphoto/Getty Images

For some, flying can be a stress-inducing experience.

A passenger plane on a runway in a blizzard

Credit:iStockphoto/Getty Images

After all,approximately 40 percentof the general population reports having some sort offear of flying.

But just how hazardous is frost to a flight?

“This is most notable by ‘contaminants’ on the wing such as frost, snow, or ice.

In fact,NASA studieshave shown that frost as small as 80-grit sandpaper can reduce lift by 30 percent.

Cohen also added that the water in frost, snow, and ice carries some weight.

The aircrafts performance under these conditions may not meet the expectations of engineers and flight crews.”

“The good news is, pilots have plenty of ways to combat these issues.

“The decision is also influenced by pilot judgment, airline policy, and FAA requirements.”

All this said, should passengers be worried about frost?

“There is a tongue-in-cheek saying about air travel: ‘Time to spare?

Go by air!’

In 2023, U.S. airlines scheduled more than 600,000 flights.