Fear of Flying? Tips that Have Helped me Overcome Flight Anxiety

For many travelers, going on a vacation or the excitement of exploring new destinations can quickly fade the moment the airplane door closes. If you are like me and struggle with a fear of flying, don’t worry! You are not alone!

A fear of flying or flight anxiety affects millions of travelers around the world. I’ve been flying my whole life and still get anxious every time I board that flight.

Over the years of flying, I have learned a few helpful tips that make flying a little less stressful and actually enjoyable. I’ll share my tips that I use to overcome flight anxiety and hopefully can help with any of you that have a fear of flying.

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Tips That Helped Me With My Fear of Flying

I’ve been flying my whole life, since I was a baby. I flew between Europe and the United States constantly. As I got older, I flew around the North America, Europe, and Asia. One thing has always been consistent, my fear of flying.

It never helped, it seemed that every time I had or have a big trip coming up, on the news a plane accident occurred right before my trip, which always brings me instant anxiety.

Because of my fear of flying, I’ve done extensive research to help overcome flight anxiety. I want to share what works for me and what I’ve learned to help put my mind at ease.

I hope these tips help. If they do let me know, if you have any other tips please let us know in the comments to help myself and others. Thanks!

1. Statistics

You’ve probably heard this hundreds of times, but statistically, your commute to the airport is far more dangerous then flying. How could this be? I blame the media because a plane crash gets significant media attention making it seem common.

The truth is, air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation. Aviation accidents are on the decline even though it seems like they are on the rise.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that in 2021, there were 6.1 million accidents with 1.37 traffic fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported 12,368 aviation accidents with 0.95 fatalities for every 100,000 flight hours. This includes all types of aviation from private planes to commercial aircraft. Personal aircraft have a higher accident rate.

Every statistic will show you that it is more likely to be struck by lightening, attacked by a shark, or even death by food poisoning. That’s right, your chances of dying from the food on board are higher then dying in a plane crash. That last one might not have been so helpful.

2. Pilots - It's their Job

One thing that helped me ease my fear of flying was knowing that pilots are some of the most highly trained professionals. Flying isn’t just their hobby, it’s their job and they do it everyday.

Commercial pilots have to go through years of training, log countless flight hours, and abide by strict safety checks before flying the plane.

Pilots are trained to handle everything from routine flights to unexpected situations.

Remember, Pilots are people just like us that want to go home after work and see their friends and families, relax, and even travel the world.

3. Know the Aircraft

Understanding how an airplane works has made a huge difference in helping with flight anxiety. I’ve watched countless YouTube videos and dug deep into the rabbit hole to get somewhat of an understanding of aircraft and how they work.

It’s nice to know that planes can withstand a lot of turbulence, the wings are designed to flex, and every every hardware and mechanical system has a backup.

Modern aircraft go through rigorous safety testing’s before taking to the skies. Every scheduled flight has to follow strict maintenance and inspection routines.

The more I learn and read about the technology of planes and their safety, the more interested I became in airplanes themselves and started to trust them more, which allows me to relax and focus on my travel destination.

4. Choose the Right Seats

Choosing the right seat on the aircraft can make a big difference. For nervous flyers, generally the front of the airplane or right over the wing can feel smoother and be quieter.

I tend to sit close to the wing or right above it because the plane seems more stable and the affects of turbulence feel more subtle.

I’ve heard from many that window seats are the best option as they help you feel more in control and the views can be calming and downright stunning. I prefer aisle seats, I like the easy access to get up when I want and I feel I have a little more room.

Most flights let you pick seats upon booking, depending on the airline and package, there might be a fee. But take advantage of the seat maps and find a location on the aircraft that is most comfortable to you.

Short story: I was flying from Taipei, Taiwan to Fukuoka, Japan when preparing to land at Fukuoka Airport, I am not sure if it was high winds or weather but we had 3 missed approaches.

I was seated close to the front and I had a friend who sat toward the back. When we finally landed, he was shaking and pale in the face. Apparently sitting in the back was a rough ride meanwhile I didn’t feel any turbulence just felt inconvenienced.

5. Research

One of the best ways to overcome flight anxiety is by doing a little research prior to your trip. This touches other subjects, but learn about the airline, aircraft models, and safety records.

There was a while I was watching short videos or YouTube videos where pilots would answer common questions. I felt this was always very comforting before flying.

The more you learn about air travel and what’s happening with the aircraft during flight the easier it will be to replace your fear of flying with confidence.

6. Skytrax and Airline Ratings

Lately, one of the most important details I pay attention to when booking flights is Airline Ratings based on Skytrax.

Skytrax is a trusted source that ranks airlines based on safety, services, and passenger experiences. The quality scale uses stars 1-Star being the worst and 5-Stars being the best. You’ve probably heard of an airline being a 5-Star airline.

On the Skytrax website, you can view airline ratings. I typically fly 4-Star and 5-Star airlines when possible.

By using Skytrax I booked a flight using China Airlines (Taiwan Aircraft Carrier), to Europe once. I was apprehensive at first, but saw that China Airlines is a 4-Star rated airline.

I had such a great experience with China Airlines and have flown them dozens of times since.

7. Understanding Turbulence

Probably the biggest trigger that causes flight anxiety is turbulence. When turbulence hits, I am guilty of clenching my fists and thinking of all the disastrous “what could go wrong” thoughts.

The truth is, turbulence is completely normal. Picture this, you are driving down a bumpy road in your car, close your eyes and you’ll sway up and down/back and forth. Or when you are on a boat getting rocked by the waves.

Flying is no different. As you fly, the airplane can go through irregular and sometimes unpredictable movements or pockets of air. Shifting air currents can cause the plane o shake, bump, or move up and down. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe.

Modern aircraft are built to withstand even the most severe turbulence and pilots are trained to navigate through turbulence.

Just by understanding what turbulence is, knowing that it’s natural, common, and a non-dangerous occurrence, has helped me ease flight anxiety.

8. Talk to the Crew

If you are like many people and suffer from a fear of flying, one not so talked about recommendation I have to help with flight anxiety is to simply talk to the flight attendants and let them know you are an anxious flyer.

The cabin crew like the pilots are trained professionals who deal with turbulence and in-flight situations all the time and are always willing to help customers.

Next time you board a flight, let the flight attendants know that you are an anxious flyer. I guarantee they will check in on you throughout the flight, offer reassurance, and can even explain everything that is going on during the flight.

9. Distract Yourself, Think About the Destination

Probably easier said then done, right? Well a great way to overcome a fear of flying is to simply keep your mind busy and try and relax. Bring books, music, movies, or listed to your favorite travel podcasts.

In-flight entertainment on board has a good mix of movies, tv shows, and games. Try to keep yourself busy. The alternative is to just relax, try and sleep, rest, or just dream about the destination awaiting you at the gates of the next airport.

10. Fly More Often!

Practice makes perfect, right? Same goes with flying more often. The more you fly, the more comfortable you should get. I think the more you fly, helps you better understand everything noted above.

I find myself now a days putting no thought about the flight I am about to board. Sometimes I am rather excited about flying or thinking of the destination on the other side.

I take dozens of flights each year to different parts of the world. I would never consider not flying. It’s just to convenient, I find it crazy that I can wake up in one country and have dinner later in the day in a different country.

If you fly often enough, you never know, it might become a hobby or passion of yours. I still prefer the destination over the trip itself, but I’ve learned to enjoy soaring through the sky and thinking about my next adventure.

Conclusion

Overcoming my fear of flying did not just happen overnight. I started doing my research and practicing the tips I listed, I am happy to say that flying has gotten easier with every trip. Sometimes, I even look forward to flying.

To me, the reward far outweighs the risk. Flying has opened opportunities to my favorite hobbies, like travel!

I hope my tips and research help you conquer your fear of flying and can open up the world of travel to you.

If you have any other tips or ways you cope with flight anxiety, please leave a comment for myself and everyone else. Thanks!

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