Scared of Flying? Definitely Not Me—I Promise!

Have a fear of flying? I swear, that's not me!

For many people, just the thought of getting on an airplane is enough to send their heart racing and palms sweating. Millions of people around the world suffer from aviophobia, or the fear of flying. However, for me? That dread never quite materialized.

Have a fear of flying? Definitely not me—I promise.

Today, I want to tell you about my journey, the truth about aviation safety, some funny stories, how I fell in love with the sky, and why you can overcome your fear as well. Whether you're a nervous flyer looking for reassurance or just curious about the sky-high perspective, buckle up—this flight’s about to take off.

The Common Fear of Flying: An Introduction
My First Encounter with Flying
What Causes Aviophobia?
How Safe Is Flying Really According to the Science?
How I Overcame My Nervousness to Embrace Flying
Funny Things to See in the Sky
What Flying Has Taught Me About Life
Advice for Nervous Travelers
The Psychology of Flying Anxiety: Facing Your Fear
Why You Might Like It As Well
Final Thoughts

1. Introduction: The Common Fear of Flying

The fear of flying is among the top ten most common phobias globally. Some people are afraid of the height, while others are afraid of crashes, turbulence, enclosed spaces, or just the lack of control.

This anxiety may grow to a point where it is out of proportion as a result of the incessant media coverage of plane accidents—even the rare ones.

But here's the thing: fear is a natural response to the unknown. Additionally, airplanes are regarded as "unknown" by many. It's not like driving a car in which you have complete control. You put your faith in a machine and two strangers in the cockpit when you're in the air.

Isn't that terrifying?

Well, not necessarily. Let me tell you how my own flight journey began.

2. My First Encounter with Flying

I still recall my first flight as a young person with a passport and a plethora of aspirations.
Destination? Bangkok, Thailand.

I was excited, not at all nervous. Everything felt like magic, from the rush of takeoff to the acceleration down the runway to the sudden lift. As I pressed my face against the window, I remember feeling like I was in a movie as I watched the ground below me shrink.

I didn't worry. I was hooked.

After that, flying came to symbolize freedom. It meant travel, new beginnings, discoveries, and possibilities. I found myself daydreaming about window seats and airplane food as my friends around me shared their fears of flying.

3. How Does Aviophobia Arise?

So, why do people fear flying?

Among the most typical reasons are:

Lack of control: Not being in the driver’s seat makes some feel vulnerable.
Media portrayal: More than car accidents, movies and news reports focus on plane crashes.
Bad experiences: One rough turbulence event can traumatize someone for life.
Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces can amplify flight anxiety.
Fear of heights (acrophobia): The very idea of being 35,000 feet in the air terrifies some.

Most of the time, the fear isn't even about flying; rather, it's about not having control. I can identify with that, but not when it comes to flying.

4. How Safe Is Flying Really According to the Science?

Talk about the facts:

Lightning strikes are more likely to kill you than plane crashes.
Aviation is one of the most regulated industries in the world.
Pilots undergo extensive training, rigorous examinations, and frequent simulations.
Planes undergo hundreds of safety checks before every flight.

Flying is statistically the safest mode of transportation. You’re at a higher risk crossing the street than you are flying halfway around the world.

So, why do people think flying is safer than driving?

Simple: even though driving is actually riskier, they feel more in control behind the wheel.

5. How I Overcame My Nervousness to Embrace Flying

Okay, I'll admit it: there were a few times when the turbulence jolted me.

When we were once flying over the Himalayas, air pockets caused the plane to suddenly dip. My stomach swung. A kid screamed. Drinks spilled. For a moment, I wondered, "Is this it?"

However, the pilot calmly entered the cockpit and announced over the intercom:

"Folks, just a little bump in the sky. We’ll be cruising smoothly in a minute.”

We were, too. I realized then that the plane was designed for this. Pilots are trained for this. I didn't need to be concerned.

I've flown through snowstorms, thunderstorms, and even questionable airport landings since then, but I've never questioned aviation safety.

6. Funny Things to See in the Sky

Flying can be stressful for some, but it can also be hilarious. Let me share a few hilarious instances:

a. The Sleep Talker

On a red-eye flight to London, the guy next to me fell asleep and started mumbling about aliens invading the plane. The flight attendant twice checked on him because she thought he was serious. When he woke up, he had no recollection of it.

b. The Clapping Crowd

During one flight to Rome, the entire cabin clapped when we landed. A group of Americans sitting near me looked confused, asking, “Did we survive something?”

c. The Dancing Chicken

Once on a domestic flight, a man’s emotional support animal—a chicken—escaped its cage. It swung wildly as it went down the aisle.

Yes, it took place.
No, I didn’t get video.
But I did get a hilarious memory.

7. What I've Learned About Life from Flying

Flying isn’t just a means of travel; it’s taught me several life lessons:

Let go of control: Sometimes, it's best to relax and trust the process.
Embrace discomfort: Long flights are uncomfortable, but they take you to beautiful places.
Change your perspective: From 35,000 feet up, everything looks different. The issues appear to be minor. The world feels bigger.

In addition, flying has made me realize how interconnected the world is and how insignificant we are in comparison to the whole.

8. Advice for Nervous Travelers

If you're afraid of flying, try these tried-and-true methods:

1. Recognize the Fear

Recognize what exactly frightens you—turbulence, lack of control, or claustrophobia? Identifying the fear is the first step to overcoming it.

2. Learn How Planes Work

Sometimes, just knowing how safe and engineered a plane is can ease your mind. Watch documentaries, read articles, or talk to a pilot.

3. Pick the Best Seat

Window seats help claustrophobics. Nervous people who need to pee are helped by aisle seats. There is less turbulence in the front seats.

4. Install Calming Software

To remain relaxed, use apps for meditation or music that soothes.

5. Beware of Stimulants

Skip caffeine and alcohol before your flight—they can increase anxiety.

6. Talk to Flight Attendants

They’ve seen it all and can help reassure you during the flight.

9. The Psychology of Flying Anxiety: Facing Your Fear

The "what if" spiral and catastrophic thinking are frequently at the root of flying anxiety.

What if the engine fails?
What happens if the pilot is ill?
What if we break down?

One of the best treatments for aviophobia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It aids you in:

Recognize irrational mental processes
Take their place with facts
Develop coping strategies

Even Virtual Reality (VR) therapy is now being used to help people simulate flying experiences in a controlled, safe way.

10. Why You Might End Up Loving It Too

Are you still unconvinced?

Let me paint a picture:

Imagine flying into Tokyo at night, the entire city glowing like a circuit board. Or taking in the snow-covered Alps from high above the clouds. Or sipping coffee 35,000 feet in the sky while reading a novel.

Flying gives you access to adventure.
It connects families.
It connects cultures.
It helps you grow.

And once you get past the fear, it’s downright exhilarating.

11. Final Thoughts

Scared of flying? I get it. However, here's the truth:

Every time you board a plane, you’re stepping into one of the safest and most miraculous human inventions ever created. You're letting yourself literally soar. And you’re proving to yourself that fear doesn’t get to make the decisions.

How about me?

I’ll keep booking flights, choosing window seats, and smiling through turbulence. Because flying, to me, is a gift.

So the next time someone asks me,

“Aren’t you scared of flying?”

I’ll smile and say,

“Scared of flying? I swear, that's not me.”

Author Description

Flying