Comments on: Tips to overcome a fear of flying

By: Eddie

Eddie — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:25:45 +0000

I feel your pain! I was afraid of flying and avoided it for about 20 years. My fear came about when I was in my early 20s, flying with my infant daughter from England to Spain. There was no turbulence, but upon arriving to Malaga the plane failed to land for a long time. I understand now that the crew were probably circling around waiting for permission to land in a busy airport. However, the cockpit crew did not think it was important to let the passengers know. My baby was crying non-stop, I experienced my first panic attack that night. I wish most captains would understand how important it is to communicate with the passengers.
Fast forward years later, and because I always loved to travel, I decided one day that enough was enough. I saw a psychologist who treated me by using gradual exposure therapy (pictures, biofeedback, etc.) and I was on a course of anti-anxiety medication. To help myself even more, I took a job in which I had to fly small planes at least twice a week. That was the cure.
I also developed some coping strategies. I always get the aisle seat (don’t want to look out the window), I do eat everything on my tray (even the awful food), I have at least two glasses of wine, and I watch every film that interest me. I am a psychotherapist, and anxiety is so much more common that most people think; I heard so many patients say they thought they were “crazy” or the only ones experiencing these feelings.

By: David II

David II — Sun, 14 May 2023 16:46:31 +0000

Thank you for sharing. It is quite similar for me as well. I get moste nervous cruising, not getting up or down for some reason. The safest part of the journey, i am most nervous.
As you describe, the fear can come and go without reasoning behind it. I hate it. I fly still 70 times a year and love it anyway- as much as i hate those moments that we all fear.

By: michael lonergan

michael lonergan — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:37:23 +0000

Yes, fear of flying is real. I too have this fear but have come to the point of, I have had a good life, if i go down, oh well. Once I am on the aircraft I figure it is out of my hands and just enjoy as best I can.

By: Ellen D.

Ellen D. — Fri, 12 May 2023 19:36:57 +0000

I was very skeptical but finally tried EMDR therapy (used a lot for people with PTSD) for my extreme fear of flying and it actually worked. Really well. And if you know the trauma that engendered your fear (like a specific event) even better. Believe me, I had tried everything. It changed my life. And no, I’m not a therapist!

Try emdria.org to find someone and try to do it in person, if possible. I don’t know how well it would work virtually… but maybe.

By: Rose

Rose — Fri, 12 May 2023 18:34:06 +0000

Interesting and informative! But, you do crack me up! As for me, I cannot fall asleep! Lol! I must be aware of what people are up to. Movement, noise from people keep me awake. Maybe I'm a flight guardian of some kind ... Happy trails, dear LTE!!!

By: Endi Dan

Endi Dan — Fri, 12 May 2023 18:29:54 +0000

Wow, I am truly surprise but relate very well to your situation as I too have a fear of flying triggered by a very scary approach and attempted landing at Belgrade airport during a snow storm. We eventually landed safely after the third attempt but I was never the same again. I live in New Zealand so visiting family (my wife is from Bosnia and Herzegovina) dictates that we fly and I also have found was to cope with my fear and can now endure the long haul flights. I also really like plane food and have no problem eating but find sleeping almost impossible. Love to travel though. Really enjoy your videos (along with Pro Tour Walks) Keep it up

By: Charlie H

Charlie H — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:47:42 +0000

Thank you for sharing these most personal of thoughts of yours! Although I personally have no fear of flying, I simply have not been able to sleep soundly on a plane – typically on a trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flight. And that is despite over 40 years of business travel! So when I get to my destination, I am usually exhausted and in need of rest – which I usually manage to re-capture by staying at some really nice, luxury hotels!

Talking about these fears with your loyal readership/viewers and reading thru their comments may also help. But, whatever you do, please keep traveling and please keep posting your fantastic videos! They are much appreciated!

By: Genie Ford

Genie Ford — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:10:28 +0000

You have described my own fear of flying exactly. Everything you say you feel and do, I am the same. It makes me feel better actually to know that I am not the only one and am not crazy. Thank you.

By: Michele

Michele — Mon, 10 May 2021 07:26:15 +0000

I was in your same situation: I flew many times in my life and, from a moment onwards, despite the fact that I didn’t have a traumatising experience like yours, I started to be scared of flying. I can see myself in your words. I could feel my body and mind in constant alert, listening to every change in engine sounds, my digestive system in strong tension, my hands would sweat so much that the shape of my fingers would stay on my trousers if I kept my hands on my legs.

The thing is, as you know, that this is a mental process, is a survival mechanism. No playlist/movie/wine will ever cure this.

Personally, I feel like this is a thing of the past for me and I owe it to the flying with confidence course that BA does. It’s a full day experience with pilots, cabin crews and a psychologist. At the end of the day there is also a non-compulsory 40 Mon flight, during which the captain is on constant contact with the cabin and explains every single manouver/noise/procedure/phisica feeling you may experience at a given time and why that’s happening. I found it miraculous. I am happy to let you know more about this, if you wish.
P.S. I am in no way promoting the course, I have nothing to do with BA. Just personal experience talking.

By: Kelley Harris

Kelley Harris — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 04:15:12 +0000

There are some really helpful tips and clever ideas in this list! Never would have thought to watch a show about problems in the air to help make sense of the fear in your mind. Thanks!