Travel anxiety is becoming more and more common in the 21st century world. Fear of flying is one of the most prevalent travel anxieties, with 1 in every 6 adults suffering from “aviophobia.” Surprisingly, even 35 percent of airline crew members – which includes flight attendants and pilots – have some degree of fear of flying. Not all fears of flying are created equal; some people are afraid of enclosed spaces, alarming noises, heights, crashes, crowds, lack of control, or terrorism.
The fear of flying can be difficult to shake, despite airplanes being the second safest mode of mass transportation in the world. Believe it or not, the only safer “modes of mass transportation” are the escalator and elevator. The chance that you’ll be a victim of an airplane accident is about 1 in 11 million, whereas the chance you’ll be involved in a fatal car crash is 1 in 5000. By far, the most dangerous part of your next flight is the drive to the airport!
It seems like the saying, “you have nothing to fear but fear itself” is quite true.
Whatever the severity, here are some ways to beat down your flying fears: