They say that flying is one of the safest ways of traveling, but at this time, surely it does not feel that way in the United States. In just the first six weeks of 2025, at least four accidents of fatal planes have shaken the Americans, even leaving the most experienced flyers to the limit.
As someone who loves to travel but has suffered for a long time of flight anxiety, these disturbing events have increased my conscience as aviation incidents continue to dominate the headlines, but it seems that I am not alone.
“Unfortunately, with the greatest news of aviation tragedies, many Americans may feel even worse with the anxiety of their flight, or they can even develop a new sense of restlessness that they did not have before,” says Dr. Brian Ramos, a researcher of Simply nootropicsneuroscientific and well -being expert.
In fact, Google searches Related to “flight anxiety” and “fear of flying” have increased this month. Americans are investigating issues such as “how to overcome their fear of flying”, “fear of flying classes” and “medications for fear of flying.” I can’t even take into account what the flyers feel for the first time.
Despite statistics, which show that the probability of dying in a plane crash is 1 in 13.7 million Passengers worldwide, recent accidents in the United States make it difficult for some people to understand themselves.
“The past experiences of people, personality traits and general anxiety levels play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some people more prone to it than others,” explains Dr. Ramos.
“My goal is to put things again in perspective with some tips to calm and overcome an anxious mind,” he says. Here are your four tips to deal with flight anxiety.
#1 Interpret anxiety as emotion
“Refunding anxiety as emotion can deceive your brain to receive the response from your nervous system more positively. Both anxiety and emotion trigger similar physical responses, such as a heart of races and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them, ”says Dr. Ramos.
For example, instead of thinking: “I am terrified to fly,” you say: “I am excited about this trip.” Dr. Ramos explains that this simple change in thought can turn nervous energy into a feeling of empowerment.
#2 Face the reality of the situation
Dr. Ramos recommends counteracting irrational fears with facts to increase domesticated confidence and anxiety during flights. For example, concentrate on the reality of the strong commercial aviation security record instead of rare incidents.
“Look around, someone else is going crazy? Statistically, the chances of an accident are extremely low, since air trips are much safer than driving in a car, something we all do regularly and not beat a eyelid, ”says Dr. Ramos.
It may sound contradictory, but reinforcement this logic looking Aerial disasters on the Smithsonian channel. The program examines the causes of past air accidents and how agencies such as NTSB and FAA have responded with new security measures to prevent them from happening again. Eraxing that it seems, instead of feeding my fear, it actually reassures me.
#3 Stay busy
“Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is an excellent way to handle flight anxiety by redirecting your approach to thoughts that induce fear,” says Dr. Ramos.
“To commit to an interesting story or conversation can keep your brain busy. In addition, time flies when it invests in something interesting and, therefore, you can even find that your flight is not just more relaxing, but it also feels much faster, ”he explains.
As someone who has always felt uncomfortable to fly, this is my reference strategy. In the past, I sat through the flights with my eyes closed, panicked for every small lump or movement, which made the experience feel endless and overwhelming. But once I trained my mind to concentrate on something more than the fact that I was in the air, anxiety vanished.
#4 Fight against “recent” panic your brain
“To soothe an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing. Practices deep and slow breaths; Inhaling through his nose for four positions, holding for four and exhaling through his mouth for four, ”suggests Dr. Ramos.
“Second, ask them to use the technique 5-4-3-2-1: identify five things you can see, four that can touch, three that you can listen, two that you can smell and one that you can try,” he says.
“Finally, use the positive internal dialogue, remembering yourself that feelings are temporary and that flying is extremely safe, helping to redirect your attention and calm down can significantly reduce anxiety. If you help, try a free podcast that offers guided meditation. “
Deal with flight anxiety after a disaster
While recent aviation tragedies in Washington, DC, Philadelphiaand Scottsdale They have an understandable flight anxiety, experts such as Dr. Ramos remind us that fear does not have to control our travel experiences.
By reformulating anxiety as emotion, relying on the facts, remaining committed during flights and practicing soothing techniques, we can recover control and relieve fears.
The fear of flying is a personal struggle, but it can be handled with the right mentality and strategies. So disturbing that recent events can be, the reality is that the flight is still incredibly safe.
Travel journalist and digital creator
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Travel writer nationwide. His work has appeared in MSN, Yahoo!, Euronews and Fox, ABC and NBC affiliates in the United States. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and Digital Creator on several important online news websites. She is the founder of Wander with Alex and Virginia’s travel guide!
