How to Get Over Your Fear of Flying

Overcome your fear of flying so you can travel anxiety-free.

The fear of flying, sometimes referred to as aerophobia, is the fear of being in an airplane, helicopter, hot air balloon, or basically anything that flies. Sometimes the simple fear of heights is involved, leaving a person fearful of even carnival rides and ladders. Knowing how to overcome your fear of flying gives you the opportunity to enjoy air travel, carnival rides and other air-faring activities.

Things You'll Need

• DVD player
• Prepare to Fly DVD
• Therapist
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment with a therapist who specializes in phobias.

2. Research statistics related to air travel and compare them with statistics for car travel and other modes of travel -- or death, such as dying from cancer. This helps give you an accurate perspective on the safety involved in air travel.

3. Visit an airport or airfield. You don't have to go inside, but simply hanging out on the hood of the car to watch airplanes take off and land helps you face the vehicle in which you could be traveling. Do this a couple of times a month to gradually desensitize yourself to the sounds, smells and sights associated with air travel.

4. Take a short flight. Scheduling a 20-minute flight helps you gain a little perspective on the situation after you've acclimated yourself to the sights, sounds and scents associated with air travel. Take a friend with you to help you.

Tips & Warnings

• See if your therapist can recommend any anxiety medications to help you with flying.

• Pace yourself, only pushing yourself as far as you can go. Overcoming a phobia takes time.

References

• Fear Free Flying: Aerophobia Facts; Jo Johnson; November 2010
• SixWise.com: Fear of Flying
• "Quick Fixes for Everyday Fears: A Practical Handbook to Overcoming 100 Stomach-Churning Fears"; Michael Clarkson; 2004