Why are people afraid of airplanes? Let's take a look at the top 6 fears

1. Plane crash fear

Airplanes are one of the safest modes of transport. In 2021 in air crashes perishedNumber of worldwide air traffic fatalities from 2006 to 2021 / Statista 176 people. For comparison: in road accidents annually perishRoad traffic injuries / WHO 1.3 million people. The number of deaths gradually decliningNumber of worldwide air traffic fatalities from 2006 to 2021 / Statista, although people began to fly more oftenNumber of flights performed by the global airline industry from 2004 to 2022 / Statista — Since 2004, the number of passenger traffic has increased by 66%. The illusion of unreliability of aircraft can arise, in particular, due to the fact that any air crash is widely covered in the media.

try separate8 Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Flying / ADAA your anxiety about a real threat - having panic thoughts does not mean that you are really in danger. Find out more about how flights generally work. It will be easier for you if you are aware that, for example, turbulence appears due to sudden changes in air temperature and in most cases it cannot harm the aircraft. There is also nothing dangerous about shaking during takeoff and landing.

2. Fear for your health

Often aerophobia is not associated with the fear of a plane crash. Some people are afraid that the flight has a negative impact on health. If you have a chronic illness, please consult your doctor before flying. Put the medicines you need in your hand luggage so that they are always at hand.

To make your stay on board as comfortable as possible:

• Warm sweater and socks. It can be cool on the plane, and sitting in shoes during a long flight is uncomfortable.
• Lollipops or chewing gum. They will help out if the ears are blocked during takeoff and landing.
• Pillow and sleep mask, earplugs. Will help during night or long air travel.
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes. Tables and chairs in the cabin are not always clean.
• Toothpaste and brush. On long flights, many airlines give out small kits, but if you use a certain toothpaste, it's best to bring your own.
• Hand cream. The air in the cabin is always dry, and this can harm sensitive skin.

3. Fear of closed spaces

Sometimes people don't like flying because of claustrophobia. Getting over this condition is not always easy. Here are some ways:

• Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes even the opportunity to speak out helps to feel better.
• Try relaxation techniques. You can start with deep breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth. Reduce anxiety too helpClaustrophobia (Fear of Enclosed Spaces) / Cleveland Clinic meditation and muscle relaxation are special exercises for relaxing different muscle groups.
• Contact a psychologist. claustrophobia workClaustrophobia (Fear of Enclosed Spaces) / Cleveland Clinic, for example, in cognitive behavioral or exposure therapy. These are relatively short-term approaches in therapy - depending on the situation, 20-30 sessions may be required.

4. Fear of heights

With a fear of heights, you can use the same techniques as for claustrophobia. For example, take deep breaths or ask for support from loved ones.

If you are already on the plane, choose an aisle seat. ConcentrateAcrophobia (Fear of Heights) / Cleveland Clinic on fixed objects near you. If anxiety increases, practice the grounding technique. It is done in this order:

• Name five things you see. It can be anything - for example, an armchair, a suitcase, a passport, a pen, a glass.
• Name four things you can touch. Let's say your hair, sweater, pillow, headphones.
• Name three sounds you hear. The sound of music, talking around and even rumbling in the stomach - this also counts!
• Name two smells that you smell. For example, the smell of a book in your hands and the perfume of a neighbor.
• Name one thing you can try. Maybe you are holding a cup of coffee in your hands or you have lollipops in your bag.

While you are naming things, don't forget to breathe! Measured inhalations and exhalations will help restore calmness. The grounding technique isn’t just useful on an airplane — it’s great for any situation where you need to quickly calm down.

5. Fear of uncertainty

If you are flying for the first time or after a long break, you may worry that there will be difficulties at the airport. To avoid this, advance preparation is needed.

• Check the docs. Make sure your visas and passport validity are up to date at the time of travel. Review the tickets and the rest of the booking - whether your name and surname are spelled correctly, whether the travel dates match.
• Check your baggage allowance. Different airlines have different requirements for the weight and size of suitcases.
• Do not put prohibited items in your hand luggage. For example, some companies allow you to take small scissors in your hand luggage, while others do not. If you can’t do without them on a trip, it’s better to put them in your luggage.
• Find out what medicines you can bring into the country. If you need drugs that contain prohibited substances, take a copy of your medical record and a certificate from your doctor with you. Such medicines must be declared at customs.

If possible, check in for your flight online and print your boarding pass. You need to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure of the plane - so you will definitely have enough time to go through control. If the airport is large and unfamiliar, you can find out in advance which terminal you plan to fly from.

For the first time, it is better to fly on a direct flight or buy a single ticket with a connection. In this case, if the first plane is delayed, you will be transferred to another flight free of charge. If you bought two separate tickets, then you will be responsible for missing the second plane.

6. Fear of losing money

If the flight was canceled due to the fault of the carrier, then you can issue a refund or exchange the ticket for another flight. Talk to the airline - go to their counter at the airport or call the hotline. You will be told how to return the money, and most likely will be asked to write a request.

If the flight is delayed, in Russia you can getOrder of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation "On Approval of the Federal Aviation Rules" General Rules for Air Transportation passengers, baggage, cargo and requirements for servicing passengers, shippers, consignees" the following services:

• Two hours late - two phone calls and refreshments.
• Delay for four hours - hot meals.
• Delay for six hours at night or eight hours during the day - hotel accommodation.

Abroad, you can also be provided with drinks, a hotel and other services. But the rules vary from country to country and need to be clarified locally.