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 12 per cent of the British public significantly suffer from it and 20 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.
Flying Without Fear Ground Courses
Flying without fear promise to get you flying and smiling. In addition to alternative advice, support and resources, they run fear of flying courses in Hampshire that aim to provide individuals with all the confidence and knowledge needed to go flying. One-day Ground Courses are personalised and run in groups of six only. Customers may bring a supporter free of charge.
Ground Courses last one full day and cost £160.
Tel: 01420 588 628; website: www.flyingwithoutfear.com
Aviatours (in conjunction with British Airways)
Aviatours use fully qualified BA pilots and cabin crew, all highly experienced in caring for nervous and first-time flyers. Topics covered are: how an aircraft flies; weather and turbulence; safety and security; claustrophobia; stress and panic attacks; dealing with anxiety; relaxation techniques; and facing your fears.
Courses are held throughout the year at London Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
General courses are one full day, including a 45-minute flight, pre-course counselling, and relaxation exercises.
£119 flight only, £259 flight and course.
Telephone: 01252 793 250; website: flyingwithconfidence.com
Flying without Fear, operated by Virgin Atlantic
Training method includes sitting in small groups of eight to ten people with a dedicated team leader / cabin crew trainer. The course covers the following topics: How an aircraft flies; How such a heavy thing stays up there!; Why Turbulence is totally safe; What the pilots are trained in; What the pilots would do if there was an engine failure; What all the noises are on board; Stages of the flight with full explanation of noises and movement; What are the airlines doing about Terrorism.
General courses are one full day, including a flight; free relaxation CD; 2,000 Virgin air miles; certificate of achievement signed by Richard Branson. Tailor-made one-to-one courses can also be arranged.
Courses are held at London Luton and Gatwick airports, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds-Bradford and Edinburgh.
General courses cost £249 plus VAT
Telephone: 01423 714 900; website: www.flyingwithoutfear.info
Updated February 2012