How to Beat a Fear of Flying to Travel in Peace and Comfort

Most people who aren't frequent fliers suffer at least a little anxiety before boarding an airplane. But if this natural nervousness tips over into outright fear, it can turn a minor unease into something a lot more damaging. But if you want to beat your fear of flying, there are several proven ways of approaching it. 

1) Use Facts and Figures

Although a fear of flying tends to be a visceral, emotional reaction, some people find plain facts and figures can help put things back into proportion. Despite the headlines that dramatic air disasters inevitably make, flying is an incredibly safe mode of travel. Just consider: 

- There are between 8,000 and 20,000 planes in the air at any one time. - There are over 4 billion air passengers per year. 

- Traveling by car is 100 times more dangerous than by air. 

- The odds of a passenger plane being in an accident are estimated at one in 11 million. 

The simple fact is, you're much more likely to be hit by lightning or attacked by a shark than you are to be involved in even a minor air accident, let alone a serious one. 

2) Learn How Airplanes Work 

If statistics offer no comfort, you may be able to increase your ease by learning the theory behind how airplanes work. The physics of flight make it clear that no matter how improbable flying seems, an airplane truly belongs in the sky and it won't simply fall to earth with every minor problem. Even if you're not scientifically inclined, reading a simple guide to the mechanics of flight can give you a new and less nervous perspective on the whole topic. 

3) Don't Be Alone 

Ideally, you shouldn't fly alone if you're badly worried by the prospect. A friend can offer support and reassurance, so always aim to travel with company if possible. But if you must fly alone, tell the flight attendants that you're nervous and would appreciate a little extra attention. They'll be more than happy to help ease your anxieties both before and during the flight. 

4) Be Comfortable 

Try to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Wear comfortable shoes and warm but not hot clothes. Take a small, soft pillow to lean on, or even a favorite plush toy that brings you comfort. And don't be afraid to close the window cover when you're allowed to if that helps distract you from the height. The more relaxing you can make your environment, the less stimulus there'll be stoking your nerves. 

5) Seek Distraction 

Take an engrossing book onboard, download a good film to your smartphone, or put together a selection of podcasts to listen to. Anything you can do to fill the time will take your attention away from your worries, rather than leaving you nagging away at your fears. 

6) Do Simple Exercises 

Simply tensing and relaxing your muscles in a mindful sequence does two important things to soothe your anxiety. First, this simple form of exercise is a proven relaxation technique, and a relaxed body helps lead to a relaxed mind. Second, it can reduce stiffness and soreness on longer flights, making you more comfortable and reducing the stress you feel in an airplane's confined environment. 

7) Go Easy with Alcohol 

You may think a drink or two could help reduce your anxieties, but be very careful. In the dry and slightly low-pressure atmosphere of a plane, the effects of alcohol can be stronger and more unpredictable than you expect. This means you could easily find your fear spirals upwards rather than lessens. 

8) Stay Hydrated

However, it's important to drink plenty of water both before and during your flight. It's easier to dehydrate onboard, and this can lead directly to increased nervousness, tension, and headaches, none of which will improve your flight experience. 

9) Consider Sleep Aids

Lastly, sleeping is a great way to pass a lengthy flight but if you're a nervous flier, this option may not be realistic. Consider speaking to your doctor about a low-strength sedative which might help ease you into sleep. You don't want to knock yourself out, but some gentle medication could give you that extra help you need to drift off. 

Being scared of flying is an extremely common and natural feeling to have, especially if you're not a frequent flier. But there's no need to let every journey be ruined by dread and worry. Following some or all of these tips will help make your next flight pass more peacefully, even if you don't ever turn into a true fan of aviation.