Author: John Cox, Special to USA TODAY

Airlines flew nearly 4.5 billion passengers on nearly 45 million flights worldwide, both records. But there were 15 accidents worldwide.

Modern airplanes are designed to withstand heavy turbulence without damage.

A diversion to land at an alternate airport is often misreported as an emergency landing. There is no emergency, but there is a change in plans.

Dutch roll is a natural aerodynamic phenomenon in swept-wing aircraft, caused by having slightly weaker directional stability than lateral stability.

The A380, the largest airplane in commercial airline service, can hold nearly 86,000 US gallons of jet fuel.

Flight crews face challenges balancing safety and compassion when passengers bring animals on board for emotional support.