Are you afraid of flying? Foreign media suggest "8 ways to overcome the fear of flying"

▲Foreign media suggest 8 ways to overcome the fear of flying. (Illustration / Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Airplanes have gradually become a widely used and safe mode of transportation in modern society.Foreign mediarecently reported that according to data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the accident rate in 2016 was 2.8 per million departures, the lowest airline accident rate in recent history.

Even so, even frequent flyers can panic when faced with severe turbulence. Usually, this sense of insecurity fades quickly, but for some people, the anxiety is deep-rooted and long-lasting—this is called aerophobia. It may stem from personal or loved ones' traumatic experiences during flights, or feelings of loss of control, claustrophobia, and other causes.

Kathleen Pointer sought medical advice and proposed 8 ways to overcome the fear of flying, which can help reduce discomfort on your next flight—worth considering as a reference.

1. Take deep breaths and try counting backward.
2. Cross your arms over your chest, take deep breaths, and press your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
3. Lower the window shade to avoid distractions from the aircraft’s movement.
4. Prepare mentally one to two weeks before your flight and practice meditation.
5. Find elements that relax your body and mind, such as comforting music or sugar-free snacks.
6. Avoid caffeine, energy drinks, and other stimulants.
7. Identify the true cause of your fear—it can help you find relief. If it’s concern about aviation safety, the facts may reassure you. If claustrophobia is the main issue, notify the airline in advance to board early or get an aisle seat.
8. Release stress—when you’re afraid of flying, remember that pilots and flight attendants fly thousands of hours. Flying for a few hours is just a small feat.

▲Lower the window shade to avoid distractions from the aircraft’s movement. (Illustration / Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)