Airline incidents increase fear of flying; learn how to deal with anxiety

Adelynn Campbell’s recent flight experience culminated in a panic attack, which she managed to overcome with the help of a caring flight attendant. This episode took place before the tragic accident in January, when an American Airlines jet and a helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of 67 people and creating the most serious air disaster in the United States in almost 25 years. Despite the rarity of fatal accidents in modern aviation, which keeps the chances of dying on a flight extremely low compared to other forms of transportation, the incident intensified Campbell’s apprehension about traveling by plane. The 30-year-old, who runs a coffee shop in San Diego, expressed that the situation made her “definitely more worried about boarding and making everything a little more stressful than before.”

It is understandable to feel a certain fear about air travel. However, for many, this feeling evolves into deep anxiety, which may require professional intervention.

Below, we explore the anxiety associated with air travel and various strategies for managing it.

Why does flight apprehension seem to increase?

Although the data is mostly anecdotal, psychologists and flight crews report an increase in passenger concern, affecting both those who already had concerns and new travelers.

Jennifer Dragonette, a California psychologist who works with patients with a phobia of flying, said that “even individuals with no prior fear of flying are talking about the issue, given recent events.”

TSA statistics show a drop in air travel in the United States during March and early April compared to the previous year. Airlines point to economic uncertainty, reduced government and corporate travel, and concern over recent incidents as causes of this decline.

FAA management has recently acknowledged failures in ensuring aviation safety. A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that fewer Americans feel safe flying this year.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants union, said flight attendants who operate flights out of the Washington, D.C., airport were especially shaken by the January collision. Some requested leave to deal with the emotional impact, and at least one professional chose to leave the profession.

Understand what fear of flying is and its characteristics

The fear of flying, known as aerophobia, goes beyond simple pre-flight apprehension. It is an intense manifestation of anxiety focused on specific points of air travel. Many individuals with aerophobia feel more distressed during takeoff and landing, or when imagining themselves confined inside the aircraft.

Research indicates that approximately 25 million adults in the United States are affected by this condition. Psychologists say that aerophobia often appears in adulthood, in people who did not show apprehension about flying in childhood, but developed fear over the years.

David Carbonell, a Chicago psychologist and author of a guide to dealing with the fear of flying, explained that the phobia often begins between the ages of 20 and 30. This period coincides with major transformations and new responsibilities in life, such as marriage or parenthood, leading people to feel that “everything matters.”

A flight with strong turbulence or other adversity can be the trigger for lasting anxiety, according to the expert.

Adelynn Campbell, who already deals with other forms of anxiety, began feeling afraid of flying a few years ago. As a trans woman, she reported that travel can be particularly stressful due to concerns about how she will be treated at airport security or in other interactions.

Carbonell pointed out that aerophobia can be complex. For many, apprehension is not limited to the fear of falling, but rather to claustrophobic feelings of being in a closed and uncontrolled environment.

Adelynn described her experience as “feeling trapped and unable to breathe.”

Nelson noted that flight attendants often assist passengers in distress, saying, “We’ve had people have panic attacks, and we have to give them oxygen. It can be pretty intense.”

Strategies and methods for dealing with air travel anxiety

Statistics have long confirmed that air travel is possibly the safest form of transportation. 2023 data from the National Safety Council reveal that the probability of dying in a plane crash is so low that it becomes incalculable, being considerably lower than that of deaths in motor vehicle collisions, or even in accidents such as walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street.

However, experts warn that anxiety disorders cannot be overcome by logic or rational arguments alone.

Carbonell avoids focusing on statistics with his patients, stating, “I know you’ve already looked at all the data, and it’s not helping.”

For those with milder levels of aerophobia, deep breathing exercises are often effective. Longer exhalations promote relaxation in the body, as explained by Dragonette, who helped Campbell treat his aerophobia and other anxiety disorders at a residential facility at Newport Healthcare in Temecula, California.

Individuals with more severe cases may benefit from exposure therapy. The process can start with simple activities, such as familiarizing patients with photographs of airplanes, watching videos of safe flights, or using virtual reality glasses that simulate being inside an aircraft, according to Dragonette.

It’s about empowering patients to live with their emotions and manage them more efficiently.

Carbonell suggests that patients take practice flights, devoid of professional commitments or other responsibilities. When they manifest symptoms of anxiety, he advises them to keep a written record.

“They keep a simple count,” he said. “We’re using counting as a proxy for acceptance.”

Don’t hesitate to seek support during the flight

Nelson, who served for many years as a flight attendant for United Airlines, reported, “I’ve been in situations where I’ve sat in the aisle and held someone’s hand.”

On a Frontier Airlines flight from Detroit to San Diego, Adelynn Campbell tried breathing techniques and other strategies but was unable to control her panic attack. A nearby passenger noticed her increased anxiety and called a flight attendant.

The flight attendant took a deep breath with Adelynn, helping her overcome the moment. The professional also took Campbell’s phone number and checked his well-being the next day.

“I was very impressed,” she said.