Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Flying

Fears of Flying

Fear of flying is a common phobia, with between 2.5 percent and 6.5 percent of the population suffering from some level of aviophobia. While flying is one of the safest ways you can travel, it offers little control, which triggers a high anxiety level for many people.

Overcoming your fear of flying will help you travel around the country, and even the world, without crippling anxiety and stress.

Identify your anxiety triggers.

Targeting your anxiety triggers will help you take control of your fear before it sets in full force. For many people, their anxiety levels are highest before they get on a plane. Pay attention to when and how your triggers come into play, so you can develop proper tactics for combating them. Debunking these beliefs is a simple way to take control of your fears and overcome the phobia with logic.

Educate yourself on the physics of flying and how airplanes work.

Read statistics about flying and seek out testimonials from pilots that will confirm your trust in the airline industry. In addition to learning the basics of flying, familiarizing yourself with turbulence and a plane's built-in safety features, such as the escape plan marking system on the floor and the tiny holes in the windows, will provide peace of mind. Turbulence is often unnerving, even for seasoned travelers, and feels like the plane is moving significantly even though it's not. Read up on turbulence so that you can talk yourself through rough patches of flying.

Familiarize yourself with the plane you'll be taking before a flight.

Airlines provide information about the planes they fly for every single flight. The plane model number should be available at least a day or two before the flight. Looking at the information about the plane, including the seating layout, will make flying less intimidating. Some timid fliers will even put a picture of a plane's cabin on their computer desktop to make the image feel commonplace.

Experiment with different seats to figure out what works best for you.

There is no single seat on a plane that works best for everyone. Some people feel most calm in a window seat where they can see outside of the plane at all times. Other people feel grounded in the aisle seat where they have more personal space and can get up without bothering anyone. Most airlines and booking engines allow passengers to request seat assignments ahead of time.

If necessary, it's worth paying extra for this feature for the peace of mind it will provide. Sit toward the front of the plane Much like riding on a bus, the front of an airplane tends to have less turbulence than the back. You're also likelier to have a quieter ride, as there are fewer seats and more people will head to the back of the plane to use the restroom. Allow plenty of time while traveling to minimize anxiety Getting held up in traffic or rushing through a crowded airport is sure to make traveling more stressful, even when you're not afraid of flying.

Allow at least half an hour longer than you think you'll need to get to the airport, navigate security, and locate your gate. If you find yourself at the gate early, you'll have plenty of time to grab a snack and use the restroom before boarding the plane.

Splurge on airport lounge access or first-class seats, especially for long flights

Many airlines offer private airport lounges to give regular travelers a quiet place to relax during long layovers. While lounges are reserved for club members or elite flyers, you can often buy a day pass for around $50. It's well worth the expense to remain as relaxed as possible before flying. Flying first-class will also keep you relaxed, especially on long flights. If your flight is longer than four hours, consider making the upgrade to first class.

Meet the crew and tour the cockpit If time allows, ask to meet the crew and tour the cockpit before the flight leaves. Many pilots are happy to spend a few minutes with their passengers while the plane is still on the ground. If this isn't an option, chat with the flight attendants. Spending time with the people in charge of your flight will help reassure you of their expertise.

Equip yourself with plenty of distractions for the flight

Sitting on the plane with nothing to do will let your thoughts wander to how much you're afraid of flying. Staying busy during the flight will keep your mind occupied and help the time pass more quickly. Before departure, take a book with you to spend time while flying. Reading will help you forget about your fear of flying and will easily get rid of boredom.