Most Amish avoid flying on airplanes for personal reasons, as they view it as too fast and fancy, not in line with their simple lifestyle. They generally don’t agree with flying for regular business or personal purposes, as they prefer to keep things simple and avoid modern conveniences.
They see air travel as unnecessary and costly.
However, New Order Amish are okay with flying on airplanes, which is different from most other Amish communities.
Of course, they don’t fly on private planes or first class because it’s considered too showy and goes against their simple lifestyle.
They opt for economy class, staying true to their modest way of life.
Flying for Medical Emergencies
The Amish care about the health of their community members.
Most Amish groups allow flying in emergencies, especially when someone is seriously hurt and needs quick medical help.
Helicopter flights are allowed in emergencies within Amish communities.
When someone urgently needs medical help or in other critical situations, they make exceptions to their usual transportation rules for the sake of safety and well-being.
Accidents involving horse-drawn buggies can happen in Amish communities, and in such emergencies, flying on an airplane or helicopter can be helpful.
It allows injured individuals to quickly reach distant hospitals for urgent medical care.
This use of flying in emergencies is seen as practical and valuable by the Amish, even though they usually avoid it for other purposes.
How Do the Amish Fly on Planes Without ID?
Amish people avoid having their photos taken due to their beliefs. This can make air travel tricky because IDs usually have photos.
Some states, like Ohio and Pennsylvania, give them special IDs without photos for religious reasons.
These special ID cards issued to the Amish, which lack photos, are not valid for voting or driving purposes.
Amish people can fly on domestic flights without regular photo IDs.
Some airlines accept other official documents like letters from their church, birth certificates, or Form 4029, to confirm their identity within their community.
Airlines understand their special ID needs and make exceptions for them.
The Amish follow the law, and if traveling internationally requires a passport and their community allows it, they will get a passport.
What Happens if an Airplane Flies Over Amish Territory?
When an airplane flies over Amish territory, it’s a common occurrence. The Amish don’t have control over the airspace above their communities, so they simply go about their daily lives as usual.
Airplanes passing overhead do not disrupt their way of life or activities.
How the Amish Travel Long Distances
Amish people travel long distances by using buses, vans, or hiring drivers when necessary. They avoid using cars and planes because of their simple way of life.
Buses or vans are arranged for group travel, and drivers are usually non-Amish.
This allows them to maintain their traditional lifestyle while covering long distances.