How to Get Over a Fear of Flying
It is part of human nature to experience certain phobias. Some phobias surface from negative experiences, while others seem to have existed innately, dormant in the psyche and just waiting to be expressed. The fear of flying, known also as aviaphobia, appears to exist as one of those dormant phobias. Even people who have never stepped foot on an airplane may suffer from acute anxiety at the thought of those claustrophobic quarters suspended thousands of feet above the earth. The fear may not be rational, but that does not dull the debilitating affects when a person is preparing for a flight that they are petrified to embark on. However, simply because a fear exists does not mean that it cannot be overcome or, in the very least, controlled. Consider these strategies to overcome your own fear of flying.
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Get informed. Often flying phobias are generated or increased by the media's focus on flight crashes. The onslaught of pictures, videos and horror stories accompanying the plane crash can make any traveler weary. According to planecrashinfo.com, the odds of being killed on a single airline flight are 1 in 10.46 million. Although this statistic may be hard to grasp, the bottom line is that the likelihood dying in a plane crash is not likely at all.
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Consider self help. For those people especially frightened of air travel, a variety of products exist to alleviate those fears. Books, relaxation CDs and videos can help build anxiety-relieving techniques for preparation prior to a flight. These tools provide assistance with the especially disarming psychological aspects of flying (see Resources below).
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Take safety precautions. Although whether or not to fly may not be an option, there are certain aspects of flying that can be controlled. Choose non-stop flights to decrease the number of take-offs and landings, since these are frequently more frightening moments during the flight. Also try to fly on larger aircraft, which often have more demanding safety regulations due to the increased number of passengers.
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Situate yourself comfortably. For many fearful flyers, part of their anxiety arises from the claustrophobia created by the enclosed seating arrangements on the airplane. Choose your seats prior to the flight and pick those located near exits that offer more leg room and open space. If necessary, consider upgrading to business or first class seating.
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Watch the experts. While flying, pay attention to the faces of the flight attendants. If there is a problem, they will be the first to recognize it. If turbulence is scaring you, but they appear clam and relaxed, chances are there is no problem at all.
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Bring distractions. Taking along enjoyable leisure activities such as books, CD players, laptop computers and even board games can greatly lessen flight anxiety. Try to truly engage yourself in these endeavors and remove open time for contemplation and fear to creep back in.
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