r/fearofflying

I need to fly back home in 2 months (and then return), and absolutely frozen with fear, even thinking about getting on a plane. I fly home every couple months, so did that back in February, and it's time again. Time to prepare myself mentally. it's a 8 to 10 hour flight. I cannot stop myself from reading and looking into plane crashes. Haven't booked my tickets yet but will soon and absolutely freaking out.

I will probably fly BA or Virgin Atlantic which I know are good airlines but it just doesn't help my fear I dont know why. I think what makes me really panic is that even people who eventually did pass away in a plane crash did probably think it is not a very likely event, or remembered the stats of safety of flights to themselves. It could also be me doing the same right now.

my brain is just currently filled with what ifs of turbulence, both engines failing, failed take off, landing and every possible thing really. its so bad I have never successfully watched a movie on a plane or slept for longer than an hour as I always try to check altitude/speed etc and panic as soon as something changes.

I have a small connecting flight in about 3 hours which is an hour on a 738 which I feel OK about I guess since it’s only an hour but after I have a long flight on a 787-9

It’s from Calgary to Rome this evening and I’m a wreck!

I just panic with turbulence, it put such stress on my body to be waiting for a bump the whole 10 hour flight I can’t calm down despite taking medication. I really need reassurance right now. I need tips I know to pick my feet up off the ground during bumps but sometimes I feel like the plane is out of control or could become out of control any moment and I can’t get off.

Is anyone able to see what the rough weather forecast will be for my flight tonight it’s at 7pm Calgary time?

I’m even more scared about take off honestly. I think the issue with Vietnamese airlines has me scared too.

I just need serious reassurance and like what should I do? Should I pull a flight attendant aside during boarding to tell them about my fear or what??? Please help

Hi all, I’ve flown a lot in my life but about 13 years ago I suddenly developed panic attacks (triggered by turbulence mainly, plus the anticipatory anxiety) while flying. Since then I’ve flown back and forth across the US many times, and even to France from Oregon and back a couple times. It is always an extremely difficult experience. Last time I was at Charles de Gaulle waiting to board I was just crying. 🥲

Tomorrow I fly to NYC, one of my favorite places, to have a two week vacation with my boyfriend (and get engaged!) I’m so so excited but the anxiety is starting to kick in.

My doctor prescribed me some anxiety medication, and I’ve never taken it before. I’m really hoping it helps ease my panic, because the whole time I’m on the flight I’m basically just tensed up waiting for any turbulence to hit, and once it does I’m a mess. I can’t usually focus on reading or gaming or movies. :(

On the ground it’s easy to tell myself that it’s totally safe, and to give advice to others. I know flying is so much safer than driving. I know turbulence won’t bring the plane down. But the physical sensations are what send me to a panic.

My boyfriend flew across the US last week and experienced bad turbulence, and so I’ve basically resigned myself to thinking it’s going to be bad for all five hours.

Just looking for words of encouragement, recent positive experiences, and if anxiety meds have worked for you during the flight. :)

Soooo, I am diagnosed with Panic attacks for 4 years now. 1 month later, I will be flying to another country to studyy. It will be my first time flying, and I dont lile comfortable in places I cant control. For example; elevators, or cable car. Because if I have a panic attack or another bad situation, it wouldnt be possiible for me to get out. So do you havr any suggestions?

Hello everyone!

Next month I’ll be going on a solo trip. I have to take a plane and the duration of the flight is 30 minutes till my destination. It’s a short period of time, but I’m terrified. I’ve been thinking to cancel the trip, because I don’t see myself again in an airplane.
I have been on airplanes before, but my fear has gone worse every time.
I hate specially the moment when the airplane is preparing for the takeoff and during that.
I need some advices to calm a little bit this fear and to not cancel the trip.

I’m currently on AC855, LHR —> YYZ

I felt like the takeoff was a bit difficult as in going lift off and the turns on low altitude made me anxious? I heard the engine maybe get louder to give more lift which is what is supposed to happen i assume but I’m not sure… now we’re 36,000 ft up in the air and I’m wondering if the weight can bring us down somehow lol

Firstly thank you so much to anyone who will read this and to this community, I almost always make a post when I’m in air because reading your encouraging messages helps motivate and comfort me so much.

I’m currently on my long haul flight back home from my trip to Japan (flight 1 of 2). I had an amazing trip and I’m so happy I did it even though the flights absolutely terrified me. Now I’m going home, and this flight is way bumpier than it was on the way here. I’m excited to get home but it feels so far away still and I’m just really hoping I make it through this okay.

yesterday i was meant to fly from liverpool to alicante with my family but as soon as i got on the plane i had to leave 😭 it was so embarrassing i had to have an escort and now everyone is in spain without me 💔
bored at home currently and feeling very sorry for myself
worst part is their flight was totally fine (not that id want them to have a bad time) if i had gotten on id be there right now and not here in miserable weather
i flew loads last year including alone i don’t know why i’ve suddenly had this reaction, i was always nervous but its never been this bad before

Hi everyone,

I have a long-haul flight from Melbourne to Bangkok coming up in a few months and I am absolutely terrified.

I've been spiralling — I'm scared of turbulence, the plane breaking apart, pilot error, and just the feeling of being trapped with no control. My brain keeps coming up with new "what ifs" and no matter how many times I read the statistics, the fear doesn't go away.

I know logically that flying is safe. I know the odds are in my favour. But knowing that and feeling it are two completely different things.

I'm looking for:

Anyone who's been through this and come out the other side

Tips for managing anxiety during the flight itself

How do you actually get on the plane when every part of you is screaming not to?

I don't want fear to take this experience away from me. I just need to know it's possible to get through this.

i'm flying to Germany this sunday from America and it's going to be the first time i've ever been on an airplane. The thought of flying makes me feel sick to my stomach. My doctor prescribed me some anti anxiety meds for the flight but i'm still curious on relaxation methods i can use on the plane as well.

Hi everyone.
I am phobic of flying but haven’t always been this afraid. I developed this fear a couple years ago when experiencing turbulence and now have a really hard time flying and typically take an anti anxiety medication to help me get through.
Yesterday, I flew from Florida to Tennessee and although it was a bumpy start, I was not prepared for how things would unfold. We entered a holding pattern because the weather was too bad for us to land. They said they would keep us updated, but we didn’t hear anything from the pilots or attendants.
I could hear the engines roaring and we were climbing in elevation and all of a sudden we hit literally the worst turbulence I have ever experience. I shook and cried and panicked. People screaming that we were going to die. It was terrible. The turbulence was off and on for about 20 minutes and I am so terrified. The first officer did come on the speaker after and said we would be landing in 5 minutes- thank god.
Any thoughts on what the heck happened? Also any advice about me ever stepping foot on a plane again?
It was such a humbling experience to be trapped in a metal tube flying in the sky with no escape. I’ve cried so much since it happened, so any support is so so appreciated. Thank you.

Hi everyone!

Have a flight from Toronto to Halifax, hoping its smooth. They paged for a passenger but the passenger wasn't on so im confused. It doesn't seem to be a full full flight so I have some space. Just hoping things are smooth. Thanks everyone and would appreciate some tracking and maybe knowing if anyone has flown on any cool unique planes? I do alot of domestic travel so I'm on the usual 737, 220 and 320 rotation, E195s with Porter though

When pilots provide updates on the flight it helps, our pilot said flight level 390 and then translated it to 39,000 lol, and told us some chops but they'll communicate with us.

Thanks everyone

Hi all! I usually travel but haven’t done so in a while. I’m at my gate right now and feel really nervous, almost like I’m on the verge of tears. I keep telling myself to breathe and that everything will be okay, but I can’t relax. I try not to let my fear stop me from exploring the world, but I can’t help but feel scared every time.

Some flight attendants sat next to me and just left to board, and I was talking with one about my fear. She told me to take deep breaths and that everything will be okay, and that she and her team are here for me.

My flight is AF65 and I would love if someone can track my flight. I’ll also be getting WiFi on the plane as I heard that helps a lot.

If you have any tips, advice, or anything, I would love to hear. Thank you so much 🫂

EDIT: meant title to say “Feeling nervous about flying”!

I was on the Phuket to Delhi Air India flight that dropped 300ft and after this my flight anxiety has gone from mild to extreme. I literally haven’t gone a single minute without replaying the moment in my head or feeling anxious about how i’m going to handle my next flights. Speaking of which, I have a journey home in a little over a week that includes 22 hours combined on planes, with one of my flights being 15 hours long. I have no idea how to go about handling this and have literally been replaying terrifying scenarios about things going wrong. What terrifies me the most is that the 300ft drop may have been caused by a technical error, and not turbulence which was the original cause stated. Because for me I’ve always heard that a plane can never fall due to turbulence which has somewhat calmed my fears but if it was a technical issue anything can happen. On one of my fights I am flying on the same aircraft that the incident occurred on the Airbus A320 which is making me feel very wary. On another one of my flights I’m on a Boeing 777-300ER and would appreciate any info about that aircraft as well. On my way back I am also on a different airline with much better reputation so that is a relief to me but the fear is definitely still there. I will definitely be sending my flight numbers for tracking to the sub because I feel like it’ll definitely make me feel better knowing someone is looking out for me. Overall I would just really appreciate tips that would help me combat my anxiety and give me a little peace of mind.

Hello! I am currently in washington DC for a conference. I flew in from Charleston, WV (CRW) and had a layover in charlotte. the flights here were super smooth, but we’re flying out of DCA back into CRW and after the crash in january last year, i am so scared. it is a short flight, about an hour long, but the fear of flying home is quite literally ruining my trip. i have had multiple panic attacks about it, and since i am on a group trip, flying is my only option.

Hi! I have terrible flight anxiety and usually take a prescription when I am not pregnant when I have to travel to avoid panic attacks. Since this prescription isn’t safe during pregnancy, I wanted to ask if anyone else has dealt with this and what you do for an alternative? I have to fly Friday and Tuesday.

Im at Gatwick flying at 5.55.. will need some support and advice.

I'm anxious about my upcoming flight on Thrusday since the weather forecasting is very bad, with a lot of thunderstorms on the way. I'm flying from Alicante to Amsterdam in the afternoon.

Is it possible they cancel the flight? (I think I would be relieved) If not, what should I expect? A very bumpy flight? I'm afraid of flying over the Pirineos montains with storms.

Thanks in advance for any professional and reassuring opinion.