Statistically flying is the safest form of travel. For example, one study concluded that it’s over 260 times safer to travel from New York to Los Angeles by plane than by car. But for many people, up to 10 percent of the population, such numbers are little comfort. So severe is their fear of flying that it is classed as clinical phobia.
While many passengers are able to distract themselves from their fear with a puzzle book, magazine, in-flight entertainment system, complimentary drinks or even anxiety medication, the truly terrified are in need of something altogether more drastic.
One airline thinks it has the solution. Launched in 1997, Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Flying Without Fear’ helps nearly 3,000 people each year achieve freedom from a condition that otherwise permanently wed them to terra firma. According to their own measurement, the course is successful for over 98 percent of participants.
Held at airports across the UK – including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Southampton and Edinburgh – the daylong course costs $400. Flying Without Fear is based on the premise that knowledge is power – that a decent understanding of the physics of flight and the mechanics of an aircraft will banish fears based on myths and misconceptions.
Unsurprisingly for most participants, facts aren’t enough. For them, the course employs psychological techniques such as neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques.
While the course is far from a happy day out, at points bringing some to tears, participants typically leave with the will to take fly again in the future. Indeed, many find post course flying a relaxing experience. Having taken the course, Whoopi Goldberg famously did.
So, if you’re one of the unlucky 10 percent who does fear flying, why not give the course a try. Sure the cost of a course is far from small change, but what price the freedom to travel the world?
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
