Yes, countless people have overcome the fear of flying (aviophobia) using various techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy (gradual exposure), education about aviation safety, relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation), and distraction methods (movies, music, games), often combined with professional programs that may use flight simulators and pilot interaction to build confidence. It's a common phobia, but very manageable with the right tools and persistence, often by confronting triggers rather than avoiding them.
Your healthcare provider may recommend: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on helping you change the way you think about flying. It might include learning about how planes work, or reviewing safety statistics for air travel versus other forms of travel.
People sometimes ask the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam, or similar drugs like lorazepam, temazepam or clonazepam, for fear of flying or to help sleep during flights. If you request a prescription for medication this will be considered by a doctor at an individual level.
The reasons people experience flight anxiety can vary from person to person. It could be a past traumatic experience related to flying or a phobia, like acrophobia (a fear of heights), claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), or germaphobia (fear of germs).
Immediate breathing techniques, like the 4-4-6 method (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6), can quickly calm your nervous system during a panic attack on a plane. Grounding exercises that engage your five senses can effectively shift your focus away from anxiety and back to the present moment during flights.
The first time flying can be both exciting and scary. Nervous and not quite sure what to expect? Even for seasoned passengers, a flight can be a bit of an adventure every time. It's an experience that's almost a part of life - whether it's for a business trip, a vacation or a visit with family and friends.
The Key Role of the Cabin Crew
A friendly smile, a reassuring word, or a little conversation can make a big difference to a nervous passenger. Plus if a passenger experiences an anxiety attack, the crew is prepared to apply relaxation and breathing techniques to help reduce stress.
People sometimes ask the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam, or similar drugs like lorazepam temazepam or clonazepam, for fear of flying or to help sleep during flights.
Use of Benzodiazepines (and related medications) for flying
People often come to us requesting the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TRAVEL ANXIETY
Stomach upset, muscle tension, headaches. Having overwhelming feelings of worry and concern about traveling. Feeling generally irritable and short-fused. Feeling restless or on edge while in airports, train stations, or cruise terminals.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Out of the world's population of over 8 billion, nearly 80% of people have never flown in an airplane. That means 8 out of 10 people have never boarded a plane — air travel, which is routine for some, is still a distant dream for millions.
In fact, lots of people are scared of flying or experience first-time flying anxiety. Fortunately, flying is an incredibly safe way to get to your destination! Thousands of flights occur all over the world every day, and flying is considered one of the safest ways to travel.
Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can be quite helpful in reducing anxiety. These techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system and set off the body's relaxation response. It encourages a mood of safety and relaxation by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
Teas for stress and anxiety relief
The #1 worst habit for anxiety isn't singular, but avoidance (procrastination), poor sleep, and negative thought patterns (like catastrophizing) are top contenders, creating vicious cycles where anxiety fuels these behaviors, and the behaviors, in turn, worsen anxiety by preventing healthy coping and creating more stress. Other significant habits include excessive caffeine, poor diet, too much screen time, and social withdrawal, all disrupting the body's ability to manage stress effectively.
The idea is simple: set a timer for five minutes and commit to a task you've been avoiding. When the timer ends, you can stop—guilt-free. Ironically, once you start, you often find the momentum to continue. This technique reduces overwhelm and helps people shift from “I can't” to “I can at least start.”
Just be honest with them when you check in or board the plane. Say something like, “Hey, I have a bit of a flying phobia, just letting you know in case I seem anxious.” Most staff are super understanding and will keep an eye out for you!
9/11 flight attendants' last words included Betty Ann Ong's "Pray for us" and Madeline Sweeney's "Oh my God, we're flying way too low," relayed during their final calls from American Airlines Flight 11, providing crucial info to ground crews before the plane hit the North Tower; CeeCee Lyles on Flight 93 left a message saying, "I love you," before passengers fought back.
The flight route from Denver to Jackson, Wyoming, is listed as the most turbulent in North America, followed by Albuquerque to Denver. Jackson to Salt Lake City and Denver to Salt Lake City also made the top 10, followed by Bozeman to Denver and Boise to Bozeman.
This chart from Boeing breaks a 90-minute flight into phases — from the moment the aircraft is on the ground, to when it lands. And here's what it shows — most fatal crashes happen in the first few minutes after takeoff, and the final moments before landing.
Flying is not only safe, it's among the safest forms of travel. The chances of a fatal commercial plane crash are roughly 1 in 11 million. Yet travelling by car — something that most do every day — is far more risky.
Aspiring pilots come from diverse backgrounds, and while many start their journey in their late teens or early twenties, there is no “perfect age” to begin flight training.