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Bob Smithouser (Plugged In) writes, "I have to admit, [director Robert Schwentke's] Hitchcockian thriller played me like a Stradivarius." He goes on to explain how this mystery eluded his attempts to solve it. He concludes, "Add emotion to the mix and the result is more than satisfying. … The fact is, Flightplan is a wild, escapist ride that challenges all sorts of assumptions and gives us the most tenaciously maternal character since Lt. Ripley protected Newt from slithery, slimy Aliens."

Lisa Rice (Crosswalk) says, "Flightplan is 90 minutes of non-stop suspense that capitalizes on every mother's—and air passenger's—worst fears. Director Robert Schwentke does a masterful job at making audiences feel that uncomfortable combination of jittery, sleepy, anxious, exhausted, and jumpy, while simultaneously making us care deeply for a grieving mother and her daughter.From the very start there are little clues to the mystery, which, in retrospect, are fascinating details that weave the story together most creatively."

Mainstream critics aren't so impressed.

ndrew Coffin (World) says, "Many thrillers begin with an engaging premise and quickly fall apart once the setup gives way to predictable plot climaxes and chase scenes. Flightplan … follows this pattern and is notable only for a stronger than average start and a particularly absurd conclusion."

Hal Conklin and Denny Wayman (Cinema in Focus) say, "The underlying theme is a fascinating one. As a therapist attempts to calm her delusion and the other passengers discount her claims, Kyle's experience is what many feel as they walk through grief. Patronizing pastors and therapists, discounting friends and family, often increase the pain of the loss. Though this film only explores these issues in a shallow way as they use them to create a suspenseful mystery, the lessons are ones worthy of our consideration."

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