Despite the comparative safety of flying as opposed to driving, many more people have a fear of flying than of riding in a car or even of driving a car. But since travel to many places is either impossible or extremely expensive without flying, many people attempt to overcome their fears. There are a number of methods used to help people overcome their fear of flying, and many people do become comfortable enough so that they are able to fly as a result.
Underlying Factors of Fear of Flying
Many people who have a fear of flying may have a number of anxieties, some of which are not related to flying itself. Such anxieties include a fear of heights, fear of enclosed spaces, desire to maintain control of one's circumstances and fear of terrorism. Especially since the tragic events of 9/11, many people who were relatively comfortable about flying before have become nervous about flying.
Symptoms of Fear of Flying
The symptoms of fear of flying range from relatively mild to severe. "White knuckle" fliers may literally grip their armrests during flight, while others with more severe anxiety may feel tremors, nausea or heart palpitations that mimic a heart attack. A passenger exhibiting the symptoms of fear of flying can also make other passengers nervous, as they may mistakenly believe the anxious passenger is a terrorist waiting to strike.
Remedies for Fear of Flying
Some individuals with a fear of flying try therapy or hypnosis to overcome their anxiety. Others choose books, tapes or on-line courses (see Resources). While many domestic airlines used to offer courses to counteract anxiety about flying, most have been scrapped by budget cuts. However, international airlines still offer such courses, which have a high rate of success in helping passengers overcome their fears.
Consequences of Refusing to Fly
The consequences to people who are unwilling or unable to overcome their fear of flying can be considerable. Careers can be stalled because workers refuse to travel any distances that cannot be covered by car, train or bus. Family vacations can be curtailed or even canceled because one member refuses to board an airplane. In especially tragic circumstances, loved ones and family members can be separated for years, with the fearful person being unable to reach other family members even in a health or other emergency.
Considerations
Statistically, traveling by air is much safer than traveling by automobile. Even though fatal plane crashes almost always have higher death tolls than fatal automobile accidents, plane crashes are much more rare. Airline pilots are highly trained and are prepared for nearly every emergency. In addition, in nearly all cases, pilots are conscientious and sober, which is not the case with many people who get behind the wheel of a car. These facts are almost always stressed in attempting to help people overcome their fear of flying.
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