Fear of Flying: When the Thought of Getting on a Plane Feels Terrifying

For some people, flying feels exciting.

For others, even thinking about booking a flight can trigger anxiety, sleepless nights and a growing sense of dread.

Perhaps you avoid holidays, turn down work opportunities, worry for weeks before travelling, or spend the entire flight gripping the armrest, counting the minutes until it is over.

If this sounds familiar, please know you are not alone.

A fear of flying, sometimes called flying anxiety or aviophobia, is incredibly common - and it can affect even confident, capable people in other areas of life.

You may know logically that flying is considered very safe, and yet still feel terrified.

And that can feel frustrating.

“I know flying is safe… so why am I still scared?”

This is one of the most common things people say.

You may have heard statistics, reassurance from loved ones, advice from airline staff or endless explanations about turbulence and aircraft safety.

But despite all the facts, the anxiety remains.

That is because a fear of flying is rarely about logic.

If logic alone could solve it, you would already feel fine.

For many people, the fear comes from something much deeper - feeling trapped, loss of control, uncertainty, panic, claustrophobia, or fear of what might happen if anxiety takes over while you are in the air.

What does fear of flying feel like?

Everyone experiences flying anxiety differently.

For some, the anxiety starts when booking the ticket. For others, it begins at the airport or only once the plane doors close.

You may feel anxious about:

  • Take-off or turbulence

  • Feeling trapped or unable to escape

  • Being in a confined or crowded space

  • Fear of panic attacks during the flight

  • Not being in control

  • Flying over water or long distances

  • Claustrophobia or feeling “stuck”

  • Strange noises or sensations on the plane

  • Take-off, landing or sudden movements

  • Feeling embarrassed if you panic in front of others

Some people avoid flying altogether, while others push themselves onto flights but experience intense distress throughout the journey.

You may recognise thoughts such as:

“What if something goes wrong?”
“What if I panic and can’t escape?”
“What if I lose control?”
“What if turbulence means something bad is happening?”

Even mild turbulence can sometimes trigger a surge of anxiety or panic, especially if flying already feels frightening.

Physical symptoms of flying anxiety

A fear of flying can feel very physical.

You may experience:

  • A racing heart

  • Sweating or shaking

  • Feeling sick or nauseous

  • Tightness in the chest

  • Shortness of breath

  • Feeling dizzy or light-headed

  • Restlessness or agitation

  • A sense of panic or dread

  • Difficulty sleeping before travel

Many people also find themselves constantly scanning for danger, watching cabin crew for reassurance, overthinking every sound, or feeling tense throughout the journey.

Why does a fear of flying develop?

Sometimes there is an obvious reason.

You may have experienced a frightening flight, severe turbulence, panic while travelling, or a difficult life event that increased anxiety more generally.

For others, the fear develops gradually or seems to appear “out of nowhere.”

Often, a fear of flying is not really about the plane itself.

For many people, it is about feeling confined, vulnerable or out of control in an environment where leaving is not possible.

Unlike being in a car, there is no option to stop, get out or take a break.

That sense of being trapped can feel incredibly overwhelming.

Treatment for fear of flying

The good news is that a fear of flying can be treated.

In my work, I help people gently overcome the anxiety, panic and fear that can make flying feel impossible or overwhelming.

The aim is not simply to help you “cope” during a flight, but to help you feel calmer, more comfortable and less controlled by fear.

Imagine being able to book a trip without dread, board a flight feeling more settled, and travel without anxiety overshadowing the experience.

Whether your fear relates to turbulence, panic attacks, claustrophobia, loss of control or flying in general, support is available.

You do not have to continue struggling with this on your own.

Sessions are available online via FaceTime, WhatsApp, Messenger or Zoom, allowing you to access support comfortably from home, wherever you are in the world.

I successfully conduct sessions via Skype so regardless of where you are in the world I can help you. All you need is an iPad, laptop or PC, a good internet connection, a Skype account (it’s free) and some privacy. Skype can be downloaded for a PC or Mac by clicking on the Skype logo immediately below or, if you have an iPad, going to iTunes and downloading the app.

If you would like to finally feel in control, calm and peaceful, please either email or call me on 0409 254 500 to arrange for a free no obligation consultation. We can discuss your options and you will be able to get clear answers on any questions you may have. There is no obligation on either your part or mine!

effective treatment for fear of flying