To an experienced pilot, turbulence during take off, the sound of the landing gear retracting, and the noticeable reduction of engine power are all a normal part of their everyday job. To the anxious or nervous flyer, these same occurrences can be cause for sweating profusely while screaming profanities at the flight attendants.
The extreme fear of flying is quite possibly the number one issue that keeps people from traveling. Bumpiness, lack of control, claustrophobia, and unfamiliar noises can all contribute to this angst, especially when you are up 39,000 feet off the ground!
But, in reality, the most dangerous part of your trip will probably be the drive to the airport.
According to the International Air Transport Association, an average of eight million people fly each and every day—365 days a year. That is equivalent to the entire population of Switzerland!
The odds of being killed in a plane crash are 1 in 11 million. The chances are greater of you being struck by lightning, dying from a bee sting, or becoming the president of the United States. Most people are not afraid of driving in a car even though the odds of dying in an automobile accident are 1 in 5,000. But, there is sense of security that goes along with being in control. I understand.
Several years ago, I was the traveler with the armpit perspiration stains and cursing everyone under my breath, especially myself for being dumb enough to get on the damn plane in the first place.
Prior to boarding, there was always a pit stop to the closest airport bar for a large glass of red wine, maybe two. During flights my husband, who was not afraid at all, would endure the death grip on his hand as my foot tapped uncontrollably. The beginning of descent was cause for counting and recounting the rows of seats between the nearest exit and me, just in case there was an emergency landing that required a rapid evacuation. I was the epitome of a nervous flyer.
I thanked the “Airplane Gods” after every successful landing—and vowed to never fly again.
Short-term fixes using alcohol, especially when an average flight to Europe is twelve hours, was not a permanent solution. As they say, “knowledge is power” and understanding the facts about the rare occurrences of airplane crashes or terrorist activity was a good first step to me coping with this fear. But, there are many other tips that helped me with overcoming being afraid and may help you to face your extreme fear too.
These Tips Can Help any Anxious or Nervous Flyer Conquer Their Fear of Flying
1. Understand the Noises off the Airplane
Not knowing the noises the plane makes during takeoff, landing, and in flight can lead to believing all these unfamiliar sounds are tragedies about to happen, which can definitely lead to being very anxious. Learn the sounds of the wheels retracting during takeoff, the chimes that happen inside the cabin, and the noise of acceleration, so that your nerves will be eased.
Read More:
2. Distract Yourself
Keep yourself busy with games, books, movies, or music. Sometimes one distraction is not enough to even put a dent in overcoming my fear, so I will use two — I’ll flip through a magazine while listening to music or watch a movie while playing games on my laptop. Prior to departure, buy yourself some fun airplane games or a big book of crossword puzzles to keep your mind busy.
Read More:
- 9 Things To Do on a Long Haul Flight to Cure Boredom
- 16 Free Games to Download for a Long Flight (That Don’t Require WiFi)
3. USE THE GLASS OF WATER TRICK
Ask for a glass of water, set it on your tray and watch how slightly the liquid moves, never spilling. This proves how little you are actually moving, even during most turbulence. The odds of that glass not spilling on a road trip are slim!
4. Research the Plane’s Structure
Take time to find out how airplanes are built and the safety measures taken each and every flight. Understanding the planes structure and how it is meant to be in the air can be all the nervous flyer needs to feel less afraid.
How Things Fly is a great resource for learning about a plane’s structure, material, and aerodynamics.
5. Ask for Assistance
Sometimes it can ease your nerves if you are vocal about your anxieties. Make the flight attendants aware of your fear and ask that they keep you posted on noises, flight patterns, and such. Plus, it has always been soothing for me to watch as they continue to work (with smiles on their faces) as there is turbulence.
6. Visit the Airport Prior to your Travels
If possible, go to your local airport and spend time watching the planes taking off, landing, and listening to the noises. Take special note of how many people are departing and arriving safely to their destination.
7. Consider Getting More Help
Prior to departure, take an online course at Soar or a class at the Fear of Flying Clinic, plus visit Ask the Pilot who covers an array of topics for the fearful flyer. There are hundreds, if not thousands of resources to help you.
Here are a few more:
- READ ONLINE: Anxieties.com Fear of Flying Self Help Program
- GET A BOOK: Soar: The Breakthrough Treatment For Fear Of Flying
- READ: Nervous Flyer? We Tested 5 Ways To Help
- VIDEO: Fear of Flying Help Video by Virgin Flying Without Fear Team
- READ: Overcome Your Lifelong Fear of Flying with These 5 Apps
8. Realize You Are Not Alone
Another thing that really helps me in overcoming the anxious feeling of flying is realizing that I am not alone. The rich, the famous, and businessmen fly safely all over the world all the time, and thousands of people are flying right at this very moment without incident.
There is an incredible world out there waiting to be explored, don’t let fear of flying keep you from living your bucket list dream of traveling, just take the steps to get that fear under control.
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Will narrate this to my wife as she gets a bit scared. Thanks for sharing it.
Fear of Flying !! Sounds Threatening.. these tips will really help me out of getting rid out of this.
Traveling is also a major passion of mine, and I spend a lot of my free-time planning out future adventures. I would love to travel through South America sometime, especially Argentina. Something about the culture just speaks to me… not to mention, they make fantastic wine.
Great review, but not for me.I love planes from my childhood. Now I know the plane crash statistics. And it shows, that car transport and buses are much more dangerous, than planes! Good luck!
Hello!
Thank you for the tips. I’m too scared to fly, but I’m still going to lose this fear.
Great post! As a pilot, I see countless people every day at work who have to deal with their fear of flying. But the truth is, like you said, its totally safe and you’re actually taking a bigger risk when you cross the road in the city! Plus, people will always be in the hands of a professional. Thanks for sharing!
It is such a common fear! I definitely feel more secure knowing that a professional is in charge, but there’s still a little uneasiness knowing that I am not in control :)
Great tips. I’m not the best ‘flyer’ and so I’ll keep these tips in mind. Thanks for sharing!
I got the fear of flying too. I will definitely follow your guide. Thanks for sharing.
in the far past I used to travell long distances with joy
Until one flight with quite strong air turbulence the makes me fearful of flying . a few years later I had to travel with uneasiness at first . By keeping myself busy during flights .Now I feel much more normal . Traveling .
Turbulence can be a little scary, but I am happy to hear that you are back to traveling!
Cool glass trick! Never thought about it that way. I read about plane turbulence once and found that the best place to sit and feel “less” of the turbulence is near the wings nearest to the center of the plane :)
Great tip! I usually sit behind the wing, but I’m going to have to switch that up!
This is really for me. I have a fear of flying. I need to conquer it soon! Thanks for the tips.
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Thank you for sharing this! Can’t wait to ride again an airplane!
This is really good for me.
This is some real stress buster, reaching the airport early specially helped me :)
Very useful tips, turbulence has always been my enemy :D Let’s see if I can win it over :D
Great review, but not for me.I love planes from my childhood. Now I know the plane crash statistics. And it shows, that car transport and buses are much more dangerous, than planes! Good luck!
Thanks, this blog will be so useful to calm down my anxiety! I used to be so nervous before boarding the flight.. but then I studied more about planes and safety! Thanks to your article I am much more confident now! Thanks, keep up the good work!
Absolutely! Exposure is the active ingredient in overcoming your phobia. Every flight provides you with the opportunity to make the next one easier.
I will memorize this article before my next flight, super helpful. Thank you heaps and keep up your great work!
It was an amazing experience in the flight. Your all pics are really good. Thank you for keep up update with new heat.
wow such a nice guide i too have experience in the flight
The “Airplane Gods” really got me laughing. I’m actually not scared of flying but the ear barotrauma is kinda annoying
I super need this post!! I now have an idea how to conquer my fear in flying. I think the best advise for me is to “Distract Yourself” I think it will really help. Thanks for sharing!
this seem great and unique. very conceptual