Fear of Flying? Tips From Someone Who Does It Anyway

You may be surprised to hear that I hate flying. Yes, I fly throughout the year for work, family, and vacation. But it doesn’t bring me joy and sometimes causes me anxiety. So what gets me through the flight?

I start early to avoid preflight stress. I pack ahead, arrive to the airport on time, use TSA PreCheck, and give myself time to get to the gate.

Remember flying is statistically safer than driving. We always hear about the accidents, but in reality they are very rare and each one tightens safety standards.

The bumps we experience in flight, even the big ones, are completely normal. The plane is designed to withstand turbulence and can handle a lot. Many of the decisions made about altitude are less about the plane and more about passenger comfort. If the flight crew doesn’t seem to think the turbulence is unusual, it is fine. If turbulence bothers you, sit over the wing where you are less likely to feel it.

I have learned to manage my ear pressure and pain. This was huge because, in the past, I would fear descending and landing the whole flight.

Looking out the window calms me — strange, given my fear of heights — but seeing the horizon reminds me we're exactly where we should be.

I keep busy. My nerves keep me from doing anything that requires too much concentration, but I’ll watch a movie or read a novel to keep my brain from spiraling.

I talked to my doctor about managing in flight panic. Every person is different and I’m no medical expert, but your doctor may be able to make make a recommendation or provide a prescription appropriate for you.

A glass of wine with my meal helps too — though, counterintuitively, alcohol can increase anxiety, so I limit myself when the trolley comes around a second time.

Do you have any tips for easing stress when in the air?

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