Travel Tips: Face Your Fear of Flying
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Face your fear of flying
Are you aerophobic?
Aerophobia, the term used to describe the irrational fear of breezes, fresh air and air travel, has become much more common in recent years. Approximately twelve per cent of the British public significantly suffer from it and twenty per cent of frequent flyers admit to using prescription drugs or alcohol to calm their nerves during a flight.
The causes and symptoms
Sufferers complain of nausea, breathlessness, heart palpitations, dizziness, shaking and vomiting. Increased levels of distress and anxiety are also synonymous with this phobia. Many sufferers attribute their fears to previous experiences or media coverage of flight disasters but others have no explanation at all and may have developed the fear without warning or logical reason.
Tackling the problem
In recognition of this increasingly common condition, a number of airlines offer special courses and seminars designed to help passengers overcome their fear of flying. Impressive success rates will appeal to anyone who is familiar with the anxiety and illness associated with aerophobia and wants to combat their fears. So, here’s a breakdown of what each course offers.
| Company |
Course outline |
Duration |
Locations |
Cost |
Contact |
| Aviatours – in conjunction with British Airways |
Run by qualified BA pilots and cabin crew. Topics covered include: how aircraft fly; weather and turbulence; safety and security; claustrophobia; stress and panic attacks; dealing with anxiety; relaxation techniques. Claims a 98 per cent success rate. Individual courses can be arranged to incorporate time with a psychologist and a light aircraft flight. |
One day including a 45 minute flight |
Birmingham, Bristol
Dublin, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow,
Manchester |
£235 (includes lunch, refreshments, insurance, relaxation CD and book) |
Tel: 01252 793 250
Web: www.aviatours.co.uk
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| Flying Without Fear – in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic |
Training methods include group work led by a team leader or cabin crew trainer. Topics covered include: how aircraft fly; why turbulence is safe; how pilots are trained; emergency measures pilots take; stages of flight with explanation of noises and movement; terrorism prevention. One-to-one courses available. |
One day including a 45 minute flight |
Birmingham, Bournemouth, Gatwick, Heathrow, Leeds, Luton, Manchester,
Newcastle, Southampton
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£233.83 (includes lunch, refreshments, insurance, relaxation CD, certificate and 2,000 Virgin airmiles). |
Tel. 01423 714 900
Web: www.flyingwithoutfear.info
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| Flying Fear – in conjunction with Flybe.com |
Flybe representatives, pilots, doctors and cabin crew lead groups of 25-30 through a range of topics including: pilot training; safety issues and security; statistics of flying; the characteristics of flight; medical understanding and explanation of aerophobia. |
Six hours including a 30 minute flight |
Various airports |
£199 (includes refreshments) |
Tel: 01805 804 888
Email: info@flyingfear.co.uk
Web: www.flyingfear.co.uk
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| Flying Without Fear – A Sights and Sounds Seminar |
A seminar organised by pilots that aims to combine structured learning techniques with a unique and safe way to experience some of the sights and sounds of flying. |
One day |
Alton, Hampshire |
£95 (includes lunch and coffee)
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Web: www.flyingwithoutfear.com |
| Updated February 2008 |
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