How do I overcome my fear of flying?

Question

I may have to fly (for work) and I am scared to death. I would probably be willing to quit my job. How can I overcome my fear? I don't take pills or drink so Xanax is out of the question. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I wrote this for someone else awhile back. Relax, you'll do fine. You just need a little education, reassurance, and practice:

It is very helpful to travel with someone who isn't nervous and can explain things to you. If you travel alone, be sure to let the flight attendants know that you're a nervous flyer and they'll give you special treatment. If you're so nervous that you make yourself sick anticipating a flight, try taking a "Conquering the Fear of Flying" class. There are also numerous books on the subject. They teach people about airplanes, pilots, weather and the air traffic control system, and they focus on the statistics that show flying is by far the safest mode of transportation.

By knowing something about these things you aren't likely to be so nervous. For instance, airline pilots are the most closely regulated, tested and scrutinized workers in the world. Even surgeons are not subject to such rigorous oversight and recurrent training. Likewise, airliners undergo a continuous cycle of strict tests and inspections and major problems are extremely rare. Then they have an amazing array of sophisticated equipment aboard that lets the pilots navigate with incredible precision and avoid dangerous weather situations and other aircraft. Air Traffic Controllers also have an impressive set of tools that help airplanes avoid dangerous weather and each other. In fact, everybody from ticket agents to mechanics, to pilots, to air traffic controllers represent the most professional, experienced, and highly trained workforce in the world.

Here's a statistic that may help: there are over 6 million auto accidents in the US every year, with at least 40,000 fatalities. From January 1982 to March 2001 there were more than 8 BILLION airline passengers transported worldwide (yes, billion!) yet there were only 2,301 fatalities. That's about 120 people killed on average each year, worldwide, with another 348 serious injuries. This amounts to a 0.00003% chance of being seriously injured or killed in a commercial aviation accident. This is far less than any other mode of transportation. In fact, just in the US alone, about 90 people are killed every year being struck by lightning, so you actually have a greater chance of that happening to you. [Source: NTSB, Passenger Fatalities, 1982 through March 2001.]

Unfortunately, even non-fatal airplane accidents get highly publicised, while the approximately 114 people killed on US highways and 35 people that get murdered in US cities every day hardly gets any media attention at all.

Answer 2

Getting over a fear of flying sometimes involves doing something that it totally unordinary to you. This is what i would recommend...Analyze yourself...what are you afraid of....trusting some total stranger with your life...or just the overall fear of being airborne (acrophobia). Then, I recommend going to your local airport and maybe taking a discovery flight (you and an instructor..and YOU fly the airplane) that way you can have some hands on experience and learn about some of the elements involved in making an airplane fly.  This has worked for many people. I once knew a man who was terribly afraid to fly. I took him on ONE discovery flight...it was all downhill from there....1.5 years later he became a flight instructor as well...The element of the unknown is a normal thing to fear....we all do...learning something about it first hand could be your ticket to comfortable flying....good luck...and you will do fine!

Jonathan S

ATP-LRJET,HS-125

CFI/AGI

Answer 3

Honestly, just do it.  You've just got to get on the plane, and do it.  It would definately help if you explain to the flight attendants that you are nervous about flying.  Most of them are trained to help you remain calm and comfortable.  Just remember that you are more likely to die in the bath tub than a plane.  It also help to bring a book, to keep you occupied during the flight.  Whatever you can do to take your mind of that intial fear will help...because once you do it a couple of times, you'll never be afraid again...and that goes for ANY fear really.  Hope this helps!   Good luck!

Answer 4

My best friend had a complete fear of flying too. She would even freak out if she saw a plane. But she wanted to go to school abroad, and she had to fly for it. So she basically just told herself she was going to do it, she got on the plane, sat down, and took deep breaths. She informed the flight attendants that she was terrified, so they kept her relaxed. Also, the guy next to her held her hand during takeoff. After that, she said she was fine. So I definitely agree with the person's answer before me. Just do it. Commit yourself to doing it, tell yourself you can do it, and fly. There are also classes you can take to help overcome your fear of flying.

Answer 5

when you get to the airport, don't think about the plane as much as you can, then when you get on the actual plane find your seat at quick as possible. Don't look out the window, close the shade, and listen to music or read. You'll soon overcome it. i actually just took my first airplane ride last year.

Answer 6

try driving !

Answer 7

I have the same problem ,i have never flown and i'm 55 years old.

Answer 8

Trains, buses, and cars are good options. Given the acceleration in the cost of jet fuel (due to "Peak Oil"), it's just a matter of time before the cost exceeds the benefit.

The use of video conferencing and electronic communication may be very cost effective alternatives.

If you do need to fly (and depending on the severity of your fear), I'd consult with a physician or a psychiatrist to see if they can help you.

Answer 9

Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Flying

* Get your facts straight -- really think about how safe flying actually is (it's much safer than driving).

* Use meditation and relaxation techniques. SixWise.com highly recommends Fly Without Fear: Guided Meditations for a Relaxing Flight, an excellent audio CD combined with soothing music in which stress expert and former fearful flyer Krs Edstrom guides you through the entire airport experience, from boarding to landing.

* Breathe deeply and intentionally.

* Get counseling or join a self-help group. There are many clinics, online programs, tapes and psychologists that can help.

* Don't indulge in alcohol as a way to cover-up your fears.

More Practical Recommendations

* Fly on non-stop routes. Most accidents occur during takeoff and landings, so a non-stop route reduces the number of takeoffs and landings during your trip.

* Choose larger, newer aircraft. Planes that carry more than 30 passengers were designed under the strictest regulations. A larger plane also provides more protection in the event of an accident.

* Choose airlines in developed countries, if possible. Airlines in developed countries like the United States, Canada, and Western Europe tend to have higher safety records than those in developing countries.

* Always listen to in-flight safety

announcements and flight

attendant instructions. Locate

emergency exits as you board.

* Listen to safety instructions and flight attendants. Pre-flight briefings by flight attendants let you know what to do in the event of an emergency.

* Locate safety exits. Knowing where to go to exit the plane quickly during an emergency will help to ease your nerves.

* Don't keep heavy objects in overhead bins. The objects could shift during turbulence and injure passengers.

* Keep your seatbelt fastened when in your seat. Sudden turbulence can occur during flights. Having your seatbelt fastened gives you added protection.

* Leave hazardous materials at home. This one is rather obvious, but be sure to leave gasoline, poisonous gases, corrosives and other harmful materials at home.

And before you leave for your next airplane trip, remember that your risk of injury or death is 10 to 40 times greater in an automobile than in an airplane traveling a comparable distance.

Answer 10

You know,

fear of flying is not a rational fear (even though it feels like it) so getting statistics, and getting educated about aviation does not help. Neither does trying to talk yourself out of the fear.

(Smart people are afraid to fly too....)

There are new therapies based on the acupuncture system that makes it really easy to get rid of fears such as fear of flying.  (As opposed to old fashioned methods where people would spend years getting rid if a phobia)

I'd really recommend you trying these new methods. They are highly effective and have gotten a lot of press the past few years.

Here's one site that specializes in your problem:

http://www.endyourfearofflyingwitheft.co...

Good luck, you can do it!  :)