Do You Have a Fear of Flying?
I recall my first flight. I was four years old and had my big brother seated next to me. Like most things in life, he took it all in his stride and I tried to mimic his self-assured calm. It didn’t work. I vacillated between over-excited climbing on everything, to tear-baby bawling for attention. It was too cramped in the plane, I didn’t like being strapped in, the noises scared me, and my ears hurt. I spent most of the flight watching the faces of the stewardesses and wondering if they were scared whenever we hit bumps in the sky.
My son, shortly after getting his commercial pilots license.
Some 53 years later I’ve lost count of how many flights I’ve taken, and the habit of watching the faces of the crew has never changed. Additional habits crept in too, such as checking an airline’s safety record and the type of plane I will be flying on (tip: avoid inter-island flights in the Solomon Islands); looking carefully at the plane’s state of repair before getting on it (when you see the emergency exit window has been smashed and duct tape is holding the ceiling in place, it’s probably a sign that the budget carrier won’t be around much longer); selecting a seat no more than 7 rows away from an emergency exit (this increases your chances of getting out alive should the plane come to an abrupt landing); checking that there’s actually a life vest under the seat (yes, some passengers ‘souvenir’ them!); and paying attention to the safety briefing given by the crew before take off. I also keep my shoes on and uncross my legs for take off and landing, and place a bent arm on the seat in front of me whenever landing).
Bumps in the sky still illicit breath-holding for me, so I’d be dishonest if I said I find flying a breeze. However, despite the above eccentricities, my biggest flying-related fear these days is: will my luggage be over the weight limit?
Understanding the Fear
For many - especially those spreading their wings for the first time - flying can be a daunting experience. If you're among those of us who feel a flutter of anxiety at the thought of boarding a plane, know that you're not alone . In fact, Aerophobia, or the fear of flying, is very common and affects more than 25 million adults in the United States alone!
Most people with aerophobia aren’t actually afraid of the plane crashing. Instead, the anticipation of flying or being anxious about how to navigate an airport, is often as troubling as being on the flight itself. Fear of flying can stem from various sources: a fear of heights, concerns about turbulence, claustrophobia, or even a lack of control. I’d say all of those fears apply to me, so what can be done to allay them?
Effective Ways to Overcome Fear
Education is Empowering: Research the airline you choose to fly with and their safety record, research the airports you will pass through and familiarize yourself with any peculiarities. Understanding the mechanics of flying and the rigorous safety protocols in place can also help demystify the experience. The more you can visualize what’s happening and why, the better placed you are to visualize a good outcome. Remember: modern aircraft are marvels of engineering, designed with multiple safety redundancies. I’ve finally learned to pay a little extra in order to avoid the smaller carriers with older fleets.
Communicate with the Flight Crew: Don't hesitate to inform the flight attendants about your anxiety. They are trained to assist and comfort anxious passengers. Should you feel unusually anxious, then quietly inform a flight attendant know when boarding the plane and request that they check on you once in a while.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to help calm the nerves. Bringing along calming music or engaging in activities like reading can also be effective distractions. Playing games on your phone and watching a movie also helps.
Professional Help: If your fear is severe, consider seeking therapy or learning cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), both of which have proven effective in treating phobias, including the fear of flying.
Approaches to Avoid
While some might consider using alcohol or sedatives to calm their nerves, it's essential to exercise caution. These substances can have unpredictable effects at high altitudes and may lead to dehydration or increased anxiety. Additionally, relying on them doesn't address the root cause of the fear.
Another common yet unhelpful approach is avoiding flying altogether. While it provides temporary relief, it reinforces the fear and can limit personal and professional opportunities. Remember, flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation. With the right strategies and support, you can manage and even overcome your fear, opening up a world of travel possibilities.
I’m not sure this article will have heled you overcome your fear of flying, but I hope that by admitting my own anxiety, you will feel less alienated and more open to seeking solutions that work for you.
