To an experienced pilot, turbulence during take off, the sound of the landing gear retracting, and the noticeable reduction of engine power are all a normal part of their everyday job. To the anxious or nervous flyer, these same occurrences can be cause for sweating profusely while screaming profanities at the flight attendants.
The extreme fear of flying is quite possibly the number one issue that keeps people from traveling. Bumpiness, lack of control, claustrophobia, and unfamiliar noises can all contribute to this angst, especially when you are up 39,000 feet off the ground!
But, in reality, the most dangerous part of your trip will probably be the drive to the airport.
According to the International Air Transport Association, an average of eight million people fly each and every day—365 days a year. That is equivalent to the entire population of Switzerland!
The odds of being killed in a plane crash are 1 in 11 million. The chances are greater of you being struck by lightning, dying from a bee sting, or becoming the president of the United States. Most people are not afraid of driving in a car even though the odds of dying in an automobile accident are 1 in 5,000. But, there is sense of security that goes along with being in control. I understand.
Several years ago, I was the traveler with the armpit perspiration stains and cursing everyone under my breath, especially myself for being dumb enough to get on the damn plane in the first place.
Prior to boarding, there was always a pit stop to the closest airport bar for a large glass of red wine, maybe two. During flights my husband, who was not afraid at all, would endure the death grip on his hand as my foot tapped uncontrollably. The beginning of descent was cause for counting and recounting the rows of seats between the nearest exit and me, just in case there was an emergency landing that required a rapid evacuation. I was the epitome of a nervous flyer.
I thanked the “Airplane Gods” after every successful landing—and vowed to never fly again.
Short-term fixes using alcohol, especially when an average flight to Europe is twelve hours, was not a permanent solution. As they say, “knowledge is power” and understanding the facts about the rare occurrences of airplane crashes or terrorist activity was a good first step to me coping with this fear. But, there are many other tips that helped me with overcoming being afraid and may help you to face your extreme fear too.
These Tips Can Help any Anxious or Nervous Flyer Conquer Their Fear of Flying
1. Understand the Noises off the Airplane
Not knowing the noises the plane makes during takeoff, landing, and in flight can lead to believing all these unfamiliar sounds are tragedies about to happen, which can definitely lead to being very anxious. Learn the sounds of the wheels retracting during takeoff, the chimes that happen inside the cabin, and the noise of acceleration, so that your nerves will be eased.
Read More:
2. Distract Yourself
Keep yourself busy with games, books, movies, or music. Sometimes one distraction is not enough to even put a dent in overcoming my fear, so I will use two — I’ll flip through a magazine while listening to music or watch a movie while playing games on my laptop. Prior to departure, buy yourself some fun airplane games or a big book of crossword puzzles to keep your mind busy.
Read More:
- 9 Things To Do on a Long Haul Flight to Cure Boredom
- 16 Free Games to Download for a Long Flight (That Don’t Require WiFi)
3. USE THE GLASS OF WATER TRICK
Ask for a glass of water, set it on your tray and watch how slightly the liquid moves, never spilling. This proves how little you are actually moving, even during most turbulence. The odds of that glass not spilling on a road trip are slim!
4. Research the Plane’s Structure
Take time to find out how airplanes are built and the safety measures taken each and every flight. Understanding the planes structure and how it is meant to be in the air can be all the nervous flyer needs to feel less afraid.
How Things Fly is a great resource for learning about a plane’s structure, material, and aerodynamics.
5. Ask for Assistance
Sometimes it can ease your nerves if you are vocal about your anxieties. Make the flight attendants aware of your fear and ask that they keep you posted on noises, flight patterns, and such. Plus, it has always been soothing for me to watch as they continue to work (with smiles on their faces) as there is turbulence.
6. Visit the Airport Prior to your Travels
If possible, go to your local airport and spend time watching the planes taking off, landing, and listening to the noises. Take special note of how many people are departing and arriving safely to their destination.
7. Consider Getting More Help
Prior to departure, take an online course at Soar or a class at the Fear of Flying Clinic, plus visit Ask the Pilot who covers an array of topics for the fearful flyer. There are hundreds, if not thousands of resources to help you.
Here are a few more:
- READ ONLINE: Anxieties.com Fear of Flying Self Help Program
- GET A BOOK: Soar: The Breakthrough Treatment For Fear Of Flying
- READ: Nervous Flyer? We Tested 5 Ways To Help
- VIDEO: Fear of Flying Help Video by Virgin Flying Without Fear Team
8. Realize You Are Not Alone
Another thing that really helps me in overcoming the anxious feeling of flying is realizing that I am not alone. The rich, the famous, and businessmen fly safely all over the world all the time, and thousands of people are flying right at this very moment without incident.
There is an incredible world out there waiting to be explored, don’t let fear of flying keep you from living your bucket list dream of traveling, just take the steps to get that fear under control.
Ready to Start living your bucket? Use my Favorite Resources:
Finding Ideas
Of course this bucket list blog and my bucket list are great resources, but you can also use my free printable 2,000 bucket list ideas.
Naming Your List
Some people don’t love the term “bucket list”. But, what is most important is that you have a list, not what you call it, so here are 25 other names for a bucket list.
Storing Your List
I’ve created the perfect Google Sheets Bucket List Tracker Spreadsheet, that helps you store your list, plus keep track of all those checkmarks you’ll be making on it!
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