How To Get Over Your Fear Of Flying

Having a fear can range anywhere from being slightly annoying to all out debilitating. Our fears can be both illogical or irrational. Deep rooted or brand new. One particular fear many of us are wary to admit is a fear of flying. If this is you, just know you're in good company. Fear of flying, or aviophobia, is classified as an anxiety disorder. It might be surprising to know that nearly 40% of Americans have at least a slight fear of setting sail in the clouds. And about 2.5% of this group is reported to have a clinical fear which causes great amount of distress (via The Washington Post).

We're not here to tell you to just get on the airplane and face your fear head on or to pop a Xanax and forget about it. Those options work for some, but we've gathered a few more helpful tips on how to get over your fear of flying. First, give yourself plenty of time to check in at the airport and get to your gate to avoid any extra stress. And if you have the option to wait in an airport lounge, spend the extra money to do this. An airport lounge is far less chaotic, quieter, and overall a more Zen place for you to get in the right headspace and stay positive (via Smarter Travel).

Your proactive efforts to control your fear of flying can start way before you even book a plane ticket.

Find out how a plane actually works. Knowing what causes turbulence, how a plane stays in the air, and those unusual sounds coming from the aircraft may make you feel more at ease while the fasten seat belt sign is on. You can also ask yourself some clarifying questions before you get on a plane to try and pinpoint where your very real anxiety is stemming from. Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg, a licensed clinical psychologist suggests asking yourself: "What is the catastrophe? What do I actually think will happen? What am I making a big deal out of? ... Answer these questions before you get on the plane," she recommends (via Smarter Travel).

Educating yourself and finding the root of your anxiety may help. But don't forget, there is always the option to ask for help. A fear of flying, no matter how irrational it may be, is a real fear and felt by millions of others. Sign up for a program that can help, see a therapist, or talk to your travel partner beforehand to let them know what they can do to assist you (via Psycom). Your choice to get on a plane is fully up to you. So take the time you need, and give these methods a try to find out which one will hopefully lead to a more comfortable journey in the air.