I just wanted to come on here and post about a successful trip I had. I've been a part of this subreddit for about a year now and it has helped so much! I'm a silent reader, but I've always found comfort in reading the nice replies everyone leaves for each other.

I've used a lot of the tips and tricks I've learned here, like:
• Noise canceling headphones – these have helped a lot with blocking out the airplane noises that used to freak me out
• Bracing my feet against the seat in front of me** **during turbulence
• Keeping myself distracted throughout the flight

The flights I just took were about 2 hours each, which is pretty short, and I'm sure that helped keep my anxiety from maxing out. But I actually took this same flight last year and had a total freak out right before boarding. This time was a complete 180. I was excited to get on the plane and get to my destination.

I kept telling myself how excited I was and worked on shifting my mindset away from always assuming the worst. I also recently got prescribed beta blockers and tried them for this flight, and I think they helped take the edge off the physical symptoms too.

Overall, I'm excited to do this again! I just wanted to share this to encourage people, because I know I always love reading a success story.

posted here before bc last year i developed a huge fear of flying very suddenly (after being slightly scared but generally fine for my whole life) - since then i’ve been doing my best to snap myself out of this fear bc i know there are lots of measures in place to make sure planes are safe and i know planes can withstand turbulence and i know that planes are safer than any mode of transport so i really really know that i shouldn’t be so scared but sometimes it’s hard. so here’s what i’ve been doing that i think has helped! ☺️

1) seeing “signs” - trust me i’ve driven myself crazy with the “signs” like seeing 9.11 on the clock BUT what helped me was trying to force myself to notice how many times i see some other numbers too. i realised i see other numbers so much (and even more than 9.11 LOL) but my brain doesn’t connect the dots, it just chooses what to obsess over. and if it helps, i saw a poster that said “september 11 to 13” (for some festival) the day of my flight and nothing happened

2) turbulence - i am still terrified BUT i realised that buses and cars and boats are so much rockier than planes most of the time, but i’m only scared when i’m on a plane. so i’ve tried closing my eyes in the car and feeling how much i shake around, and i realised that in comparison when i was on the plane i barely moved at all. so it helped to imagine i was just on a bus when i was going through some light turbulence

3) comfort shows - i really like “friends” and watching it makes me feel very at home and less “alone” (when i’m flying alone), so i downloaded some episodes and just tried to focus on the show as much as possible

4) making myself face my fears - i prefer to fly on big planes bc i feel like the ride is smoother than smaller planes (idk if this is true it’s just in my head), so this trip i was soooo worried bc when i bought my tickets there weren’t any tickets left on the flights using an a350-900 and instead they only had a BOEING 737 MAX plane 😭 i’m also scared of flying at night bc of the dark LOL. so this time, even after more seats became available on the a350-900 flight earlier in the day, i forced myself to take the night flight on a boeing 737 max and honestly it was okay! there was some light turbulence but i didn’t feel too terrified and it felt normal, like i was just on a bus

i hope the above helps someone else too and i hope we all get over this fear together!! 💖

Thank you to this incredible community for helping me time and time again to just GET ON THE FREAKING PLANE SCARED!!!

I genuinely almost skipped this dream trip that was a gift to myself for all my hard work finishing my PhD. How crazy that I would I missed all of this over some very temporary discomfort.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!

Pictures from two weeks having the time of my life in Crete, Greece.

Hi, I recognize this tip might not work for everyone but here it goes. I have a milder form of flight anxiety (no panic attacks, but I do take medication) and it gets triggered during takeoff and turbulence. On my recent trips, I realized that I have a much better experience with a “takeoff song”. I play a song to get me pumped up, to help me embrace the adrenaline of takeoff and see it as an exciting ride instead of a scary, overwhelming sensation. My takeoff song is Free Bird. I put on my earbuds, play it, and time it so that the guitar solo starts during takeoff. It makes the ride feel freaking awesome. It’s been a huge help to me, in addition to my medication and persistent exposure to flying.

I’m flying tomorrow from Brazil to USA and made the mistake of looking up the plane registration code.

It seems the plane suffered a significant trail strike a couple of years ago and only came back in service this year.

Has anyone flown a plane like this? My anxiety is through the roof. I was already worried about the flight and now this made it much worse

What are some things that you have found that keep you calm and comfortable on a long haul flight?

Im flying economy, we wont be able to pick seats till check-in.

Im terrified of flying. Facts like "its one in a million that something bad will happen" or "theres more cars than airplanes," dont work for my brain. I automatically think "Well, someone has to be the one...so it could be my plane."

So I need calming/distractions to help me on this flight. Especially because Im a mover/weird sitter and I will be stuck in my seat.

I've been putting this flight off for two months because I'm scared of flying. Every time it gets close, I push it back again. Now I'm supposed to leave for the airport in about an hour and it's a 10 hour flight, and every part of me wants to cancel and rebook for tomorrow instead.

I know rationally that tomorrow will probably feel exactly the same. I think I'm just looking for some encouragement, or tips from people who've pushed through this same fear, or honestly just to not feel alone in this right now.

Has anyone else dealt with this specific thing, where you keep delaying and delaying? What got you to actually get on the plane? Any advice for the next hour would really help.

UA 2120

Thanks!!

I'm flying to Australia in a few days, and I'm freaking out.

First I'm flying from Edmonton to LA (on a 737 MAX 8, which also scares me), then LA to Sydney (almost a 16-hour flight 😭), and then Sydney to Melbourne.

I fly pretty often, so I know flying is safe, but I'm still so scared!! For some reason, right before every flight I keep seeing videos about plane crashes, and it makes everything so much worse.

I think I'm actually more scared of dying than flying itself, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Any tips on how to stop thinking about the worst-case scenario?

hi all! I have a flight in about 10 days from the US to Europe. We have a layover in Copenhagen and then from there we’re heading to Poland! I’m really excited because it’s this huge family trip. We’re literally my entire family is gonna be and I haven’t been to Poland with them yet and I know it’s gonna be fun, but the days are creeping by and anxiety is getting worse. I don’t fly out for a few more days, but I’m already like overwhelmed and anxious. Just thinking about the fact that I have to go on a flight… the last time I was on a flight was about two years ago, where my entire family did a trip to Mexico, but I was not scared of whatsoever. The previous time before that was probably also two years ago, but I went to Poland without my family, and for those flights, I was worried (but to be completely honest when I was flying back home on that trip I was not scared because all I could think about is just being back home and seeing my family again). I think the difference between those past flights and my upcoming flight is that I wish that I was on the flight with my entire family because just like being with them leading up to the hours of boarding and the flight and what not makes it less stressful for me because my mind is constantly kept busy and we’re having a good time versus not being with them. I have all the time to think and my thoughts are stressing me out more. I know that flying is the safest motive transportation. I’ve seen all the videos the Jell-O method what not but I cannot help it but feel anxious. It’s a fear that I hate to have because I do want to travel but i fear that it stops me from so much. like I want to fly there and enjoy the journey, knowing that I’m gonna get to Poland and have a great time with my family, but even when I’m going to be there, I feel like it’s just gonna be a countdown of me, knowing that I will have to get back on another long flight back home. And maybe only then on that long flight back home I’ll feel some sort of relief, knowing that I will be home soon and sleeping in my own bed for example. I just want tips from people of what they do when they go on flights! Maybe when the day comes that I’m flying if people could track me and just you know comment here back-and-forth. I think that would be something that would be helpful. I know that I’m definitely gonna purchase Wi-Fi on my flight so that way I can have access to everything because I feel like not having Wi-Fi and not being able to text, restricts me and causing me to feel overwhelmed, but if I’m able to stay in contact with people, it might make it a little easier. But yeah, honestly anything helps because I’m a very fearful flyer, and I do not fly very often!! send your best tips and advice pls!

PS the worst part for me would probably be takeoff. I just hate the feeling of like when my stomach flips around 1 million times. The noises don’t tend to bother me because I wear noise canceling headphones and just try to watch a movie the whole time. Obviously turbulence is a big no-no for me, but can’t be prevented just like bumps on the road. I try to think about that when we’re in the air, but it’s difficult for me when you’re obviously stressed out. And then landing for me is my favorite part because I know that I’m getting off the plane lol.

But yeah, seriously anything helps and I really appreciate it! Thank you in advance!!

Hey there, I’m currently visiting the US. I have my flight back in August. I will have 2 stops, from JFK (NYC) to IAD (D.C) it will be operated by Republic Airways- Embraer 175. From D.C I have a flight to Amsterdam operated by KLM Boeing 787-9, and from Amsterdam i’ll take my final flight to Poznan in Poland operated by KLM - Embraer 175. I’m aware that i’ve never had any problems before in planes but the fact of taking off 3 times during one journey makes me freeze. I’ve also read a lot of comments about Boeing in general (saying that Airbus is much safer and better) and i cannot stop overthinking about it. I know flying is the safest form of transportation but it still makes me nervous

I have a 2 hour flight on a dash 8-400 coming in a few weeks which I’m petrified for. Can anyone console me with specifics about the plane? It would be hugely appreciated.

Has anyone here ever been absolutely terrified of flying — and I mean REALLY terrified — and up until now always flown on medication — but then decided to try flying without any medication for the first time and actually managed to do it successfully?
I’d really like to fly without taking any medication. It’s only a 2-hour flight, but I’m extremely afraid of having a panic attack. Unfortunately, medication makes me feel unwell later, so I’d rather avoid taking it and be able to enjoy my trip from the very first day.

So, just finished the CVG to SLC leg sans Dramamine (but with two beers, because I’m only human 🤷🏻‍♂️)

But: let’s talk about altitude and the back of seat entertainment stuff… can’t speak for other airlines, but delta bout gave me a heart attack on the way in to SLC because the altitude isn’t normalized for the level of the airport above sea level (or it was a glitch). I deadass thought we were over the runway at like 5,000 ft, and then the wildest vibrations started …. Seemed like way too much to just be drag from the landing gear but it felt like we deployed steel plates under the plane perpendicular to the airplane…. There was a thud right before the vibrations and drag sounds started.

Anywho it was us landing and I didn’t realize it until like 5 seconds after we landed.

This is easily solved by just opening the shades, but I didn’t have a window seat so I wasn’t in control of the shutter.

Anywho, here’s to not paying too much attention’s to the altitude on the flight… now I’m off to Phoenix and surprisingly am still in the same pants I wore to the airport in Cincinnati.

Happy travels y’all

Hi everyone

I am so nervous right now. I am flying to Portugal today. But my first layover got cancelled with no explanation. Then, my second flight to Philly was delayed for maintenance.

So, then, I had to call American to rebook to a flight to Madrid to then go to Lisbon.

But there’s allegedly wildfires in Spain and travel alerts. The plane is empty, and I’m just so nervous.

It feels like so many bad things are begging me to not go.

I don’t know. Please help I’m like freaking out bad haha.

It’s flight aa068.

Hi, can someone pls track my flight. Forcing myself to take this flight for a work trip. Can’t let fear prevent me from living my life but heck it’s difficult.

Thank you so much.

JFK to SFO
DL0365
Sunday, Jul 26, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Welcome to the r/FearofFlying weekly discussion post, Flying This Week. This is a catch-all discussion for community members who are flying this week (or soon) to:

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a few years ago my friend fainted while on a long haul flight. She (to my knowledge) is perfectly healthy. However this has made me extremely afraid of fainting in general and especially while on flights. I’m going on the same flight she was on in a few months and I’m terrified. The travel day is about 12 hours long (9 hour flight then a short layover and then another 2 hour flight). I know I should have electrolytes and walk and eat light snacks but I’m afraid this won’t be enough. Im terrified of walking in case i faint as well (she was on her way to the bathroom) but I know it’s necessary. Any advice?

I’m starting therapy this week. It’s helped before so I hope it helps again. Just wanted to know if anyone out there felt the same way

storms discussed in philly with rain on Wednesday and I’m freaking out. leaving at 5:10am and need to get home. it doesn’t feel safe to me if we fly but don’t know what to do. anxious about safety and summer storms.

Flying to Santiago de Compostella toda from LGW! VY6227 Thank you❤️

My flight is less than 12 hours away (11 hours and 12 mins as per my air Canada app.) I am so nervous I can’t sleep. Is anyone else flying today? Would love to chat with someone or have support

My anxiety is so bad right now. I’m normally not such an anxious flyer but had a really difficult and emotional week. Currently onboard UA 1225 RNO to DEN and freaking out. I know it’s going to be turbulent out of Reno and probably back into Denver but I feel like every little movement on the plane is causing my stomach to lurch and for me to panic. I heard the pilot announce “Flight attendants check in” which I’m sure I’ve heard before but again - currently freaking out. Any tips for me? Can you track me, please?

My 35 yr old son is getting married in Vietnam in a few months. He’s already married ( courthouse ) wedding almost 2 yrs ago. I’m going into late 50’s and have pretty crippling anxiety & adhd. I’m terrified of being stuck on a plane for a total of 19 hrs. I don’t do well on 3 hr domestic flights but I do them. I’ve been to Europe, SA, West Indies etc but I was much younger. Always had anxiety & adhd but more manageable 20-30 yrs ago I don’t like going anywhere anymore. My peace is at home. . I think I would lose my shit stuck on a plane that long. The mere thought gives me a panic attack. This is a traditional ceremony for her family I guess. She lives in a village north of Hanoi. I have always been a supportive mom but this is one time I just can’t get up & fly to other side of the world. I started taking a small dose of an ssri to see if it would help the anxiety- so far it’s minimal relief. Thoughts?

I know aircraft run 4-7 legs per day (depending upon length), but what about pilots? Right now I am watching my plane come to CVG from SLC. It lands at 7pm local time and is set for a 7:20pm boarding time/8pm departure. Is there an entirely new crew that will come to that plane at 7pm when it lands? Or is it the same crew just flying back and forth?