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.
Aviatours (in conjunction with British Airways)
Outline
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 eight airports around the UK.
Time
General courses are one full day, including a 45 minute flight, pre-course counselling, and relaxation exercises.
Individual courses can be arranged, to incorporate time with a psychologist, and flight in a light aircraft.
Location of course
Courses take place in Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Manchester and Plymouth
Cost
£232.65 (inclusive of VAT)
Contact
Telephone: 01252 793250; website: www.aviatours.co.uk/
Flying without Fear, operated by Virgin Atlantic
Outline
Training method includes sitting in small groups of 8 – 10 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.
Time
General courses are one full day, including a 45 minute flight; free relaxation CD; 2,000 Virgin airmiles; certificate of achievement signed by Richard Branson!
Tailor-made one-to-one courses can be arranged.
Location of courses
Courses are held in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Leeds-Bradford, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton
Cost
£233.83 (Inclusive of VAT)
One-to-one course £1,995 + VAT.
Contact
Telephone: 01423 714900; website: www.flyingwithoutfear.info/
Flying Fear (in conjunction with flybe)
Outline
A representative from Flybe will discuss all characteristics of flight. A pilot will talk about their training, safety issues and security, plus the statistics of flying. A member of the cabin crew will describe their role aboard the aircraft, a doctor with an aviation background, will explain about the fears, phobias, anxieties and stress involved in flying. Groups are approx 25-30 people.
Time
Courses are arranged on a Saturday and last for approximately 6 hours, including a 30 minute flight.
Location
Various airports
Cost
£199
Contact
Tel: 01805 804888; website: www.flyingfear.co.uk
Updated April 2009
