Coping with a Fear of Flying

In a recent survey 20% of those travelling admitted to a fear of flying, although it would be fair to suggest that post September 11th that figure is probably higher. For many it is the complete loss of control as they put their life in the hands of an airline. For others it is the fear of a closed space and being unable to get up and go outside as and when they want. Whatever the fear, it is real to the person involved and can become particularly distressing when it is hidden from work colleagues for fear of loosing a job when frequent air travel is required.

The first important point is to recognise you have a fear and face up to it. Try to discover what it is about flying that you do not like and admit that you have a problem. On facing the fear it might be time to invest in a day course on fear of flying at your local airport, or discuss your problem with someone you trust.

Try to look at the problem logically - air transport is very safe. You are about 1000 times more likely to be killed in a road accident than you are in an air accident. This does not mean that air disasters do not occur. They do, but the trouble is that they become a part of our lives when they are beamed into our living room.

If you have a fear of flying, you can be helped using behaviour modification techniques and successfully continue a career in business around the world!

Plan your travel in advance

If you are travelling by air for the first time, try a practice run to the airport. This will help you go through the procedure without the distress of having to arrive for the first time. It will help you see the best place to park or how far you have to walk from the railway station, as well as allowing you to see how smoothly things run in an airport. On the day you will know exactly where to go and it will help alleviate those 'first time' fears.

Try to recognise that stress can add to fears. Plan your trip well; booking seats, using executive lounges, arriving at the airport on time, having a book to read or some work to do on the flight can take your mind off the engine noises and reduce stress.

When booking a flight, choose an airline that you can have faith in. Most accidents occur in parts of the world where equipment and technology is less advanced than in the West.

Try not to use alcohol or drugs to escape your fear. Often they can make it worse and leave you feeling unnaturally anxious.

Some in-flight radio stations now provide calming, relaxation techniques for anxious flyers - tune into this channel if you feel anxious. Other in-flight techniques include reflexology, aromatherapy or massage now offered by selective airlines.