8 Tips on How to Overcome Fear of Flying
Learn 8 effective tips to conquer your fear of flying with expert guidance from Allen Carr
Introduction to Fear of Flying
Fear of flying, or aerophobia, is a common phobia that affects many people. This intense fear can cause significant anxiety and discomfort, sometimes making it impossible for a person to board a plane or even consider air travel.
The symptoms of fear of flying can range from mild unease to severe panic attacks, and may include sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or a sense of dread before or during a flight. For many, this phobia can interfere with daily life, limiting travel opportunities and causing stress around work or family commitments that require flying.
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a proven approach that helps people challenge and change the negative thought patterns associated with flying.
Exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing the fear in a controlled way, can also help people overcome their anxiety. In addition, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can reduce symptoms and make flying more manageable.
By understanding the nature of this phobia and using the right techniques and therapy, it is possible to overcome the fear of flying and regain confidence in the air.
Understanding Air Travel
Air travel is widely recognised as one of the safest ways to get from one place to another.
Despite common fears about plane crashes, the actual risk is extremely low. Statistically, the odds of being involved in a plane crash are about 1 in 11 million. This makes flying much safer than many other forms of transportation.
Airlines and airports are committed to passenger safety, implementing strict safety procedures and regular maintenance checks on every aircraft. Security screenings, advanced technology, and highly trained staff all work together to minimise risk and ensure a safe journey for everyone on board.
Many people’s fear of flying is rooted in a sense of lost control or worries about what could happen in the rare event of an accident.
Understanding the facts about air travel can help put these fears into perspective. For example, pilots and cabin crew undergo rigorous training to handle any situation and modern airplanes are designed with multiple safety features to protect passengers.
By learning about these safety statistics and procedures, you can start to replace fear with knowledge and develop a more positive outlook on flying.
Role of the Cabin Crew
The flight attendants are there to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your time on the airplane. These professionals are highly trained to handle a wide range of situations, from routine service to unexpected emergencies.
If you experience anxiety, panic attacks, or other symptoms of fear of flying, the flight attendants can provide valuable support. They are experienced in helping passengers who are afraid of flying, offering reassurance, clear information about the flight, and practical assistance to help you feel more at ease.
If you’re feeling anxious, don’t hesitate to let a flight attendant know about your fear. They can check in on you during the flight, offer calming words, and even suggest relaxation techniques to help you manage your anxiety.
Knowing that you have the support of the cabin crew can make a significant difference, turning a stressful experience into a more manageable and even positive journey.
Preparation and Planning
Taking proactive steps before your flight can make a big difference in managing your fear of flying.
Start by learning about the safety features of airplanes and the mechanics of how flights operate, understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety. Familiarise yourself with the typical sounds and sensations of flying, so you’re less likely to be startled during take off or turbulence.
In the days leading up to your flight, practice relaxation techniques such as taking deep breaths, meditation, or gentle yoga. These methods can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to cope with stress and anxiety.
On the day of your flight, consider booking a seat in a location that feels most comfortable to you. Many people find sitting near the front of the plane or over the wing helps reduce discomfort.
By preparing ahead and using these techniques, you can take control of your flying experience. With each actual flight, you’ll gain more confidence, and flying can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of your life.
Top tips for dealing with fear of flying
You’ve been drawn to this page for a reason – to find out how to get over fear of flying and the steps below will help you on your journey.
However, to become truly free you need more than some tips – you need a method that is beautifully simple to unlock the tips and escape from the issue. That method is Allen Carr’s Easyway.
Before the top tips a few celebrities who have freed themselves from addiction with Allen Carr’s Easyway.
As long as you use a method that ensures that you understand the psychological aspects of fear of flying – these tips will help you.
Anxieties related to flying can stem from a variety of sources, including specific fears about flying or broader issues like stress and control or enclosed spaces, addressing these anxieties is key to overcoming the fear.
So please read our world-famous tips but you must remember that fear of flying is like being trapped in a maze.
The tips/instructions help but without the right method/map you may never find your way to freedom so please read on after the tips to understand the best method to get over a fear of flying.
1. Accept you have an issue
You might consider yourself to have a serious, debilitating fear of flying which makes it impossible to consider flying, or someone who’s just an extremely nervous flyer. Many people are suffering from this fear, and recognising this suffering is the first step toward recovery.
Either way – there isn’t any need to be embarrassed by that.
Accepting that you have an issue, deciding not to be embarrassed about it, and deciding that you’d like to do something about it, is key.
You accepted all that the moment you started looking for help.
Accept that you have an issue, decide that you’re going to sort it out, and choose the best method to do so.
2. Forget about what others think;
One of the worst things about having a fear of flying is having people who have no idea what it’s like telling you to “just go for it”, “don’t be silly – it’s safer than driving”, “pull yourself together – there’s nothing to it”.
They mean well but by being so casual about your problem they’re completely misunderstanding how the mere thought of flying makes you feel.
Don’t let them make you feel bad or foolish and put their advice and comments to one side.
3. Confide;
It’s extraordinary how low someone with a fear of flying can feel.
If you have someone close to you, who won’t judge you for your fear, but will instead understand that you have a problem – even if they don’t understand it – confiding in them will be useful and supportive for you. Friends and family, in particular, can provide valuable emotional support and understanding, helping you feel less alone and more at ease about your fear.
Whether you consider yourself to have a serious fear of flying or you’re just a very nervous flyer – it amounts to the same; you have a problem and you need help to sort it out.
Having a loved one in your corner will make it sweeter than ever when you achieve your goal.
The last thing you need is someone saying “Well I don’t know what you were ever worried about!”.
You’re going to achieve an amazing thing – you’ll deserve a pat on the back.
4. Straight talking;
Be honest and open with your loved ones, tell it how it is. Take the time to talk about your fears, as discussing them openly can be a crucial step in overcoming them.
Don’t be ashamed. Hold your head up high.
There is no doubt that in other areas of your life you have overcome major problems, achieved amazing things, so don’t beat yourself up about this issue.
You’ve reached out for help to address the problem and that took great courage and strength. Feel good about that.
5. Get help now;
Start now and don’t delay. There is no benefit in doing that and could add more pressure when you need to fly.
Remember that although it seems like there’s lots of help, lots of how to get over fear of flying tips, promises of 5 ways to get rid of fear of flying, or 10, or 100, what you really need to a method to help you escape the maze and be free.
Lots of airlines run great programs for people with fear of flying.
These can be great – but note that sometimes they don’t quite deal with the mental processes that cause your fear so look for the best method for you.
6. Don’t be disheartened;
It isn’t your fault that you have an issue with flying and it takes huge courage to reach out to someone for help.
If you reach out and follow the wrong method it isn’t your fault.
It’s really natural to feel how you feel especially if you have tried other methods in the past that have not worked but until you’ve completed the program the fear will still be there.
Don’t worry about that.
7. Allow moments of doubt;
It’s ok for you to have panicky and anxious moments – even after the program. Negative experiences in the past, such as turbulent flights or stressful journeys, can contribute to ongoing fear, but these can be addressed with the right approach.
It’s how you react to those which is so important.
In the past you allowed those moments to grow and fester, or just tried to ignore them (which just makes it even worse), this time you’re going to welcome those feelings, identify them for what they are, and think about them.
As a result you’ll smile rather than carry on feeling anxious.
8. Freedom;
You’re all set for a life of freedom.
But remember, if you have a bad day at the office, or experience a financial problem, or hit a bump in the road of a close relationship; your world is infinitely better, whatever lows you might experience, than it would have been as someone with a fear of flying.
Every cloud has a silver lining when you’ve escaped from issues like that, it’s not just a case of the lows not being nearly as low, but the highs are infinitely higher.
To get truly free you need to use a method that is proven to be successful and that is Allen Carr’s Easyway to Enjoy Flying.
It is a standalone program that doesn’t rely on strangers at the end of the phone, and is entirely anonymous and private.
It’s a completely shame-free, empowering, and positive program that sets people free from their fear rather than have them attempt to fight a battle against their fear.
The best class / course to get over a fear of flying – Allen Carr’s Easyway
No medications
Program only takes 2 1/2 hours
No willpower
Clinically proven
World Health Organisation Partner
50 million helped worldwide
Allen Carr’s Easyway understands how a fear of flying makes you feel and, without being judgemental or patronising, we take you through the process of how to get rid off your fear of flying.
We unravel the misconceptions that make you believe flying is dangerous.
All you need to do is follow the instructions and you will not only cure your fear of flying but enjoy it.
