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.