The Essentials

Fear of Flying? Here’s What You Can Do

For some of us, the biggest fear when flying is getting stuck in the middle seat, but for others, there’s the real fear of flying itself.

 

But a number of companies are now offering courses in how to manage aerophobia.

 

A company called Mindwell offers exposure therapy in the form of a virtual reality simulation, where passengers are taken through different scenes like being at the airport, flying in turbulence, and landing.

 

SOAR is a fear of flying program that offers downloadable videos, a smartphone app, and one on one phone counseling sessions.

 

In Seattle, the Fear of Flying Clinic offers an in-person course over two weekends and includes lectures and demonstrations from pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals. The program also includes a graduation flight on a commercial jet.