Many individuals experience anxiety related to airplane travel, which can affect their summer plans. A psychologist from Baylor College of Medicine offers insights on overcoming these fears by confronting them.
“It’s very normal and in fact adaptive to have some fear. It keeps us from away from dangerous situations and doing risky things. What makes something a phobia is when the fear is excessive or exaggerated, causes significant distress and really gets in the way of life. That’s when it crosses a line into something more impairing,” said Dr. Eric Storch, professor and vice chair of psychology in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor.
Phobias vary among individuals but generally share three core components: they are excessive, cause distress, and lead to avoidance behavior. “Phobias are excessive in nature and can cause a lot of distress and impairment, especially when avoidance becomes significant. Unfortunately, there is a neurotic paradox that takes place where the person fails to learn that nothing bad will happen (or they can successfully manage it if it does) if they confront a fear because they are always staying away from it,” Storch explained.
For those with a fear of flying who have never flown, Storch recommends gradually confronting these fears without avoiding them. This approach helps individuals learn whether their feared outcome is valid (which often isn't) and assess their ability to cope with it. This method aligns with cognitive behavioral therapy principles; loved ones can also support others in facing these challenges.
Storch advises writing or reading stories about flying as initial steps toward overcoming airplane anxiety. “Ultimately, the aim is to have the person fly a short flight to another city, then eventually take a longer flight cross country or abroad,” he stated. He emphasizes understanding that activities like biking or driving are riskier than flying due to stringent safety regulations.
While acknowledging individual needs may vary, Storch does not recommend anti-anxiety medications for addressing air travel phobias as they might hinder learning through exposure. “If someone takes anti-anxiety medicine, what ends up happening is that they never really learn what happens in-flight. It gets in the way of that process, which is important for people making progress,” he noted.
For those feeling anxious during flights, engaging in enjoyable activities such as reading or watching movies can help distract from fear without resorting to alcohol consumption.
“Support and encourage your loved ones afraid of flying. Slow and steady wins the race,” concluded Storch.
