How To Overcome Your Fear Of Flying

The fear of flying is a more common ailment than you might imagine.

With recent occurrences related to airborne mishaps in the past few years, it is only natural to feel the unease creeping in. I myself have discovered this fear of flying from within. But I will not let it stop me from seeing the beauty the world has in store and it should not stop you either. So here are a few pieces of information and tips to assist in the recovery of getting over your fear of flying. Nothing should get in the way of you and your destination, especially not a few measly bumps in the road.

1. Keep in mind the multitude of planes that fly each and everyday.

From each airport. In each city. In each country. Across the world. Right now a plane just took off. And another one. That’s a lot of jet power. Not to mention a lot of preservative infused airplane meals.

2. The chances of something happening are so miniscule.

It is more dangerous to drive a car than it is to fly in a plane. In fact, it is more likely to get attacked by a donkey than it is for a plane to crash to occur. How many donkeys have you come in contact with lately? The odds are ever in your favor.

3. If those facts don’t settle you, think of the flight attendants.

Their JOB is to fly on planes daily. If they didn’t feel safe and comfortable doing so, Susan would have pursued a career in HR and Tim would’ve gotten a job in accounting. Look to them when you start to feel uneasy, as flight attendants are some of the calmest people on the plane.

4. Better yet, think of the pilot.

He wants to arrive safely at the destination just as much as you do. If he thinks for a second there may be something wrong with the plane, he will not take off. Pilots want to live too.

5. If it’s takeoff that provides the problem…

Invest in medication that will make you drowsy, and try sleep during takeoff. Otherwise, if sleeping on planes is not a skill of yours, opt for something a bit stronger like a gin and tonic or a vodka soda to take off the edge.

6. Movies.

International flights are equipped with personal screens for each passenger. Get lost in the memoir that is the The Book Thief or allow the anthems from Frozen to once more get stuck in your head.

7. Qantas offers a ‘fearless flyers’ course

For those willing to fork out some extra $$ to overcome the fear, which may be a worthwhile investment. Find out if your local airline offers something similar, where you learn all there is to know about flying, accompanied with psychologists tapping into your fear itself.

8. For serious cases…

Hypnotherapy has been known to help fearful travelers overcome this fear.

Being scared should not stop you from living out your dreams. See the flight as merely part of the adventure, the exciting pre and post that every traveler undergoes. The world is too exciting to never see it, and whilst there are other modes of transport available, if you ever want to leave your own backyard, make your way to the nearest boarding gate.

Make that a double gin and tonic please.

Article written by Carly Brand.