Fear of flying
Fear of flying means just what it says. It is when you feel nervous about flying, or being on a plane. There are different things about flying that you may feel nervous about.
Flying is very common these days. It is often the quickest and cheapest way to get to places. There are more airports, and more places that you can fly to. There are many 'low cost airlines' like Easyjet and Ryanair. They have made it much easier to travel by plane.
But this is not good news for all. Many people do not like flying. Some may just have mild fears. They may get uneasy when they think about flying, or when they get onto a plane. Most often this does not stop them from flying. But it can make it a bad experience for them. It can be very stressful and tiring. Other people have very strong fears. They do not feel as if they want to go near a plane. This can stop them from flying at all.
Fear of flying can be a real problem for a lot of people. It can really limit what you do for work or holiday. It can have a big effect on you for family reasons too.
How common is it?
Fear of flying is very common. It is one of the most common fears for people to have. It is thought that as many as 1 in 5 people may have some degree of fear.
In the UK this means about 10 million people have some degree of fear about flying. It is thought that up to 5 million people in the UK will not fly because of their fear. Many of those that do fly do not enjoy it. It causes them stress and anxiety and sleepless nights. The only way many people have of coping is to either avoid flying or use alcohol, cigarettes or pills to calm them if they go on a plane.
Many famous people have a fear of flying. Here are just a few :
- Dennis Bergkamp (footballer)
- Mohammed Ali (boxer)
- Michael Jackson (singer)
- Aretha Franklin (singer)
- Ronald Reagan (ex US president)
- Cher (singer)
- Glenda Jackson (actress and MP)
There is a story that, back in the 60s, about the brilliant footballer, Jimmy Johnstone who had a terrible fear of flying. Jock Stein, the shrewd legendary Celtic manager, told Jimmy before a major European game, that if he helped the team score enough goals at Celtic Park then he would not have to play in the away leg (and therefore, not have to travel by plane). Jimmy played the game of his life, making sure Celtic won so convincingly that the return match was a foregone conclusion and he got out of having to fly.
What causes it?
It is likely that different things can cause someone to have a fear of flying. No one thing will cause this. Sometimes it is not possible to say what the causes are. Fear of flying can affect anyone.
Here are some of the possible causes :
Having a bad experience on a flight
If you have had a bad flight, it may unsettle you. You may feel unsure about going back on a plane.
Hearing about someone you know have a bad experience
Someone you know might have had something bad happen to them on a plane. This may upset you and put you off flying.
Hearing about plane crashes on the news
Hearing about crashes all the time can make you think this is more likely to happen to you. It makes you think of how awful it would be.
Having other fears
These might begin to affect flying. If you fear enclosed spaces already (claustrophobia) you are more likely to be afraid of flying. Fear of crowded places (agoraphobia) may also affect flying. Perhaps you have always been a bit of a worrier. If so, it is more likely that you would become afraid of flying.
Having a young family
This can make you more afraid of taking young family onto a plane, or leaving them behind if it is just you that has to fly.
Other stress
This can build up. If you are really stressed when you take a flight, you are more likely to react badly to it. Even having positive stress can make you afraid of flying - like having a baby or getting married.
When it starts
Fear of flying can come on at any time. It is less common in children. It tends to start most often when people are in their mid 20's.
What keeps it going?
Fear of flying will show itself in different ways. Below are some of the thoughts, feelings and actions that are common for people with a fear of flying. These can happen before, during or after a flight.
Thoughts - common things that you may think or worry about
'I think something awful is going to happen'
- the plane may crash
- the plane may catch fire or blow up
- there may be a terrorist attack or bomb
- the engines may fail, or the wings break off
'I don't like being closed in'
- it's too crowded; there are too many people
- once the plane starts I can't get off it; I can't escape
- I feel trapped
- I feel too hot and stuffy
'I hate heights'
- I don't like being so high up
- I don't like to fly over water
'I don't like not being in control'
- I can't see or hear what is happening
- I don't know what is going on
- I have no control over what may happen
- I don't trust the pilots
'I might panic'
- I might panic on the plane and make a fool of myself (fear of the fear)
It is very common to worry about flying before you get anywhere near the plane. Lots of people will worry weeks or even months before a flight. They will get more worries the closer the day of the flight gets. It is common to have sleepless nights filled with worry.
Feelings - common things that you may feel in your body
Here are some of the common things that you may feel. These can happen before, during or after a flight.
| sweaty | shaking | can't focus |
| breathing quickly | tight chest/throat | on edge |
| heart racing | feel sick or dizzy | jelly legs |
| tension | can't think straight | bad mood |
These are all symptoms of anxiety or panic. Each person will feel different things. Some will be stronger than others.
You may also find that having a fear of flying may make you feel down or low. You may feel more grumpy. Fear affects us all in different ways.
Actions - common things that you may do because of your fear
- Avoid flying
It is common for people that have this fear to avoid flying. You may put off booking a flight. You may choose to travel by car, boat or train instead.
- Can't relax
You may not be able to relax when you think about flying. This may lead to sleepless nights before you have to fly.
If you do fly you may find it very hard to relax on board. You may not be able to sleep on flights. You may want to look out of the window all the time. You may find it hard to focus on other things. You may find it hard to sit still. You might feel the need to go to the toilet more. You may tense up and feel panic any time the plane bumps around. You may tense up and feel panic at any noise or change in speed. All of this may make the flight very tiring for you.
- Take more drink/drugs
You may find that you need to use alcohol, cigarettes or pills to help calm you down. You may smoke more before and after the flight. This may take the edge off your fear at the time. It doesn't stop the fear coming back next time. It also doesn't do your long term health much good.
- Others
Having these fears can affect others. You may argue more with friends or family. You may not want to speak to others about your fears. It can make you more withdrawn.
When you fly it can make those around you on the plane feel more nervous too. It can affect your children if you travel with them.
How you cope
Most of the time it doesn't matter what causes the fear. What is important is how you cope with it. How you cope with it has a big say on how strong the fear will become, or how long it will last for. Once you become afraid, you may react by avoiding flying. This makes sense, but it makes the fear stronger.
The good news is that if you change the way you cope you can beat the fear no matter what caused it.
How do you deal with this fear?
In the same way that you deal with any fear - you need to face your fear.
