8 Quotes, Stats And Tips To Help You Overcome Your Fear Of Flying

Unsplash/Emiel Molenaar

So many travelers experience flight anxiety and a fear of flying. You are not alone in your worries. In fact, just about twenty-five percent of Americans say they’re scared of flying on an airplane. Here’s how to overcome your fear of flying with quotes, stats and tips that have helped us.

1. Lower your anxiety levels.

Even when you’re freaking out, you can use deep breathing and relaxation techniques to calm your heart rate, slow your breathing and bring your body back to a comfortable place.

2. Remember safety statistics.

You’re actually much more likely to be in a deadly car crash than a plane crash. And you drive in cars or at the very least, walk past cars through intersections every single day.

3. Ask for help.

Flight attendants are there to help you. If you need a cup of water or a pep talk, they’re specially trained for air travel — they can coach you through it.

Unsplash/Jakob Owens

4. Enjoy the lack of phone service.

Actress Margot Robbie said, “I love flying so much. I even like airplane food. No one bothers you and your phone never goes off and you can’t have emails go through. It’s undisturbed.”

5. Talk to your doctor.

If you experience panic attacks on a plane, you should talk to your doctor. Consider talking to your general practitioner or a mental health professional about the possibility of going on an anti-anxiety medicine specifically for flights.

6. Focus on the view from above.

French astronaut Philippe Perrin pointed out, “It’s only when you’re flying above it that you realize how incredible the Earth really is.”

Unsplash/W

7. End the thought cycle.

You don’t need to stop the negative thoughts about the unlikely event of a plane malfunction or plane crash, but just let them exist. Acknowledge your fearful thoughts and then try to let them go, just like you’re watching a cloud pass.

8. Think about how seeing the world is worth it.

Our favorite quote comes from singer-songwriter Beth Ditto. She said, “As with most phobias, the fear of flying does make some sense, but if ever there was a fear worth quashing then this is it. After all, life is short, and there’s a great big world to explore out there.”

RELATED

Here’s How To Know If Your Airplane Is Safe

Don’t Panic: Here’s What To Do If Your Flight Gets Canceled