People who are scared of flying have been issued a message from a pilot with years of experience as he made an announcement in a video on social media addressing the “common” problem
The pilot revealed his take on flying with fear(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Scared of flying? If the answer is yes, you are certainly not alone. In the UK, statistics estimate around 1 in 4 people (25%) experience some fear of flying, ranging from mild anxiety to severe aviophobia.
With numerous surveys indicating about 10% of people have intense fear, one pilot has issued an important message to those who worry about flying. In a post on Instagram, where he boasts 394,000 followers, the pilot shared a clip which read the words: “I’m not afraid of flying, I’m afraid of feeling trapped on the plane… If you think that, you need to know.”
He claimed many people feel anxious on a plane, but it has nothing to do with flying itself, but more the sensation of “being trapped”.
The pilot continued: “That feeling is very common, and it’s important to understand where it comes from. There is something important you need to know.
“On an airplane, you are not immobilised. When the seatbelt sign is off, you can stand up, go to the bathroom, stretch or walk a few steps down the aisle.
“Moving your body reduces that feeling of confinement, much more than people expect. Even small movements help your nervous system understand that you still have freedom to move.”
He claimed the cabin air is constantly renewed and the pressure is controlled at all times, so there’s no need to worry about “running out of air”.
However, if the anxiety continues, he urged: “You don’t have to handle it alone, you can talk to the cabin crew, ask for water, or explain how you’re feeling. That support helps more than you might imagine.”
Meanwhile in the caption, he concluded: “That trapped feeling doesn’t mean danger, it means your nervous system wants control. Even though your body urges you to escape, you are safe and supported the entire flight.
“Learning how to calm your breathing and shift your focus can reduce that panic and help you feel more in control in the air.”
How to get over the fear of flying:
Educate yourself: Learn more about flight safety then it should minimise your own fears.
Relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing or any distraction methods, whether it’s watching a movie or listening to music.
Get help: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can assist you with your fears by talking about it.
Medication: A doctor might prescribe anti-anxiety meds for occasional use or regular treatment.
Talk to the crew: Let flight attendants know you’re nervous as they can offer reassurance.