10 tips to overcome fear of flying

Some travelers find flying a scary experience. Even though it is known that airplane accidents are rare, statements such as "flying has never been safer than it is today!" will never completely calm a nervous passenger, because fear is not based on logic or reason. It actually seems to be accompanied by a certain irony.

In fact, the reason aviation accidents are so upsetting in the minds of many people is that they are so infrequent. Yet, flying is one of the safest forms of transportation; in 2019, over 4.6 billion passengers took 38.6 million flights, and only 8 fatal accidents were reported.

We present our 10 tips to fight fear of flying!

 

 

1. Don't be afraid of turbulence

Here are two pieces of news, one good and one bad. Let's start with the bad news: climate change is likely to increase the occurrence of turbulence, including clear air turbulence and zero speed bursts. The good news is that turbulence is not as dangerous as one might think; it is just one of many annoyances.

In fact, during the buffeting, an airplane doesn't go more than 20 feet. Moreover, the wings of the plane do not break. However, severe turbulence can cause injury, so be sure to fasten your seat belt as soon as the warning light appears and as soon as you stand up.

 

2. Get busy

The less time you spend worrying about the risks, interpreting every sound and watching every move of the flight crew, the better. Read, play video games, watch all the movies you can, and listen to your favorite music every chance you get. If none of this interests you, remember that sleeping and eating are also wonderful ways to pass the time.

3. Do relaxation exercises to soothe yourself

Even if you are not afraid of flying, the cramped seats and lack of legroom can make you anxious. Therefore, relaxation and meditation techniques can be very helpful. Find them on Google (or search for them in your app store) and download or print them out so you can use them even during the ascent and descent. When the lighted signs are not on, be sure to remove your leggings (and other body parts) and walk around the plane from time to time.

 

4. Download some applications

Fear of flying is no exception to the rule that everything in life has a practical purpose. The SOAR In-Flight app will help you before, during and after the flight by providing videos, turbulence information, a G-force indicator, weather forecasts and more.

If you like statistics, check out the Am I Going Down app, which does exactly what its name suggests: you enter your flight information to find out how likely you are to crash your flight. This may sound a bit morbid, but given the rarity of accidents, it can be helpful to know the odds. To illustrate how encouraging the odds are, consider that your chances of crashing on a flight from London to New York are about one in over 5.3 million. You would have to fly every day for 14,716 years to die in a plane crash on that specific route.

 

5. Don't worry about the details that might cause you anxiety

The air current that makes up an airplane flight is similar to that of a continuous breeze; gaps or voids in the air only occur when there is turbulence. Therefore, it is impossible to fall out of the sky, much like a lake or ocean.

You're worried about the engines, aren't you? An airplane flying at about 30,000 feet can maneuver about 100 miles without an engine and attempt an emergency landing, even in the highly unlikely scenario that both its engines fail at the same time.

Finally, if you're worried about someone opening the doors during the flight, know that they are locked and that the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside prevents this urban myth from coming true.

 

6. Discuss your fear with the crew of the aircraft or the passengers sitting next to you

Sometimes talking about your fear with your seatmates or a crew member can help you feel better. Tell them what they can do to support you. Maybe you want to confide in someone about why you are afraid rather than being alone, or maybe you need someone to remind you to take a deep breath.

Flight crews are trained and experienced in calming anxious passengers, but they may not be able to help you during landing and takeoff, when you need it.

7. With the help of a qualified professional, conquer your fear

With the help of a professional, group meetings and therapy sessions can help you solve your anxiety or claustrophobia problem. Many airlines are involved in helping passengers overcome their fear of flying through the popular therapy exhibit. Passengers attend classes that include information about the situation inside the cockpit and an actual flight. The best treatment for fear is to face it from time to time.

8. Focus on what's waiting for you at the finish line

Think of the incredible tapas you'll find in Barcelona, the delicious sushi you'll eat in Tokyo, and the coffee you'll sip in the heart of Notting Hill while watching people. There are many surprises waiting for you at the end of this worthwhile journey, as you've already clearly seen.

 

9. Take an airplane fear management course

Some airlines like Air France organize anti-fear of flying courses to learn how to better manage stress. From a psychological interview to a simulator, including theoretical courses, the national airline promises to make you take the plane without fear. You will benefit from a personalized follow-up after the course. You can book your course from 450 € on their website.

 

10. Book your parking in advance for less stress

 

Reserving your valet parking at the airport is a very good way to travel serenely before a long plane trip. As soon as you arrive at the airport drop-off point, a valet parking attendant will welcome you and collect your vehicle. It is parked in a private and video monitored parking lot in the immediate vicinity of the airport. You will get it back in front of the terminal on your return. The little extra: it is 30% cheaper than traditional parking.

 

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