Solutions

For some it is pure pleasure, for others pure hell: flying. Do you, too, get palpitations and break out in a sweat at the sight of a plane? Are you plagued by visions of nightmare scenarios? If so, we have some tips for overcoming your fear of flying.

Leaving on a jet plane ...

...puts some people on cloud nine – but frightens others out of their seven senses. Why is that? Often, such people suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo, or do not want to fly as they do not trust technology and feel helpless in the hands of the pilot thousands of metres over the ground. Since 9/11 another fear has been that terrorists could use the plane as a flying bomb. And thanks to the media, the fear of flying (known to specialists as aviophobia) is not decreasing, but actually increasing. Every air disaster in the world is reported in great detail, giving the false impression that flying is extremely dangerous. In fact, it is a very safe means of transport. Of course, there is always some risk but, if the statistics are to be believed, the most dangerous part of the whole journey is the drive to the airport.

Statistics aside, one thing is certain: aviophobia is severely restrictive, both in private and at work. If you want or have to travel to another continent, your only choice is to get on a plane. Or would you put up with a drive through the Balkans just to get to Istanbul?

So it is up to you: either you avoid some destinations, or you accept the fact that you will have to fly from time to time, despite your aviophobia. This, however, means that before every flight you will have to deal with cold sweats, a racing heart and panic attacks. Do you really want to subject yourself to that for years on end? Why not take the third way: face up to your fear of flying and fight it, step by step.

Flying in the face of fear

Many airlines run "fear of flying" courses, on which specialists show you how to deal with your fear. Hypnosis can also help you get a grip on panic attacks. Tranquilisers should only be used in extremely severe cases, and only on medical advice, but plant-based products such as St John’s Wort or valerian pose less of a risk. It is important to take them several hours before the flight to give the relaxants time to take effect.

Our tips below are no replacement for professional treatment but will set you on the right path to coming to grips with your aviophobia.

Ideally you should face your fears step by step. For example, take some time out to visit a nearby airport. Sit down and watch the people passing by. You will see not only sad goodbyes, or tears of happiness as people arrive, but also their excitement about departing flights and the experiences they are to bring.

Sometimes you can even take a tour of a plane – take up the offer! Go on board, look around at your own pace, and sit comfortably on a seat for a while. If you like, you can put on the seatbelt and let your imagination fly you to a country or place of your dreams. If you get the chance, have an expert explain the technology on board to you – detailed information may help you feel less mistrustful of the technology.

Up, up and away

Once you have managed the first step without any trouble, you can now attempt the second: a pleasure flight on a small aircraft. These flights are not as smooth, but offer significant advantages. The audience who might witness your embarrassing display of fear is smaller, and you yourself choose the length of the flight. You’ll see: it is a great feeling to get a bird’s-eye view of your usual surroundings. Many airports offer reasonably priced pleasure flights. Go on, give it a try!

Once you’ve landed safe and sound, you could tackle a medium-length flight. Combine this next step with a short trip – to Paris or Mallorca, for example. The good thing about Paris is that the airport is not in the city, so you do not fly past a sea of buildings as you land, which makes it a little less frightening. The good thing about Mallorca, on the other hand, is that you fly for a while over the sea, so you can face up to another aspect of your aviophobia. Wherever you go, ask someone you trust to accompany you. You can hold their hand as you take off and land, which often works wonders. It also helps take your mind off things if you count the seconds as you take off. By one hundred you're sure to be in the air! Modern flight information systems can also keep your thoughts off your fear of flying: on the display you can see the route, altitude and speed, as well as the outside air temperature. Tell the flight attendants that you suffer from aviophobia. They will do their best to make your flight as comfortable as possible and may even let you visit the cockpit. Avoid alcohol or coffee: at such altitudes they have an increased effect, and will make you more nervous. Make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep your circulation going.

Flights of fantasy

When you have managed a medium-length trip, just one more item remains on your private aviophobia to-do list: a transatlantic flight. New York makes a particularly good long-haul destination. The trip may seem a long one at first sight, but thanks to the on-board entertainment, time flies. However, you still need to ensure you get enough movement. The best thing is to take off your shoes, do calf and toe exercises, and stretch your legs every now and then by walking along the aisle. If you feel tensed up, this exercise will help: flex all your muscles at the same time, and keep up the tension for several seconds. Relax abruptly, and enjoy the feeling. If necessary, just repeat the whole exercise.

When you have reached another continent, you can really feel proud of yourself!

Image source: snygo.com