What is fear of flying?

Does your pulse start to race, or do you even start to panic at the thought of getting on an aircraft? Then you suffer from fear of flying – and you are not alone. Millions of people, including frequent fliers, are afraid of flying. Sufferers experience considerable tension when they board an aircraft. They start to perspire heavily, are short of breath, feel nauseous, dizzy, claustrophobic, and often feel helpless throughout the flight.

What leads to a fear of flying?

Flying is one of the safest ways to travel, but a key event such as a bumpy flight can often create anxiety. Turbulence can occur repeatedly during a flight, but is never a danger to flying safety. People with a fear of flying often lack the technical knowledge that allows them to differentiate between an entirely normal process and something out of the ordinary.

So what can be done?

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your flight. Try to avoid stress, and get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. It is a good idea to reserve your preferred seat in advance, because turbulence is less noticeable at the front of the aircraft. If you suffer from a fear of enclosed spaces, we suggest you opt for an aisle seat. Depending on the particular level of anxiety, distraction can be a good idea: read a book, tackle a crossword puzzle, or take advantage of the entertainment offer on long-haul flights, and inform the crew of your concerns. Our flight attendants are responsible for the safety on board, and are trained to deal with fear of flying. If you find, though, that your fear becomes so severe over time that you avoid flying altogether, you may benefit from attending a special fear of flying course.

Fear of flying courses in Zurich and Geneva

Collaborations between psychologists and pilots have proven extremely successful in dealing with a fear of flying. Experts offer fear of flying courses together with SWISS, Edelweiss and Lufthansa Aviation Training. Working together, you will learn effective strategies adopted from behaviour therapy to address and successfully overcome your fears. The Fit-to-Fly fear of flying course in Zurich will tell your more about the world of flying and what happens to the aircraft during the individual stages of a flight. You learn why turbulence is not a problem for aircraft, and what the various noises you will hear between take-off and landing means − for instance, when the landing gear is being lowered and when the flaps on the wings move. Studies and the success rate of the course clearly confirm that it is possible to overcome a fear of flying.

A similar offer is also available in Western Switzerland. The "Voler Sans Peur" course in Geneva is held in cooperation with SWISS, Geneva airport and Skyguide, and is extremely popular.

Your safety and well-being on board are our top priority. Our modern aircraft are thoroughly checked before every flight, and regularly serviced. With the Airbus A220, we are the first airline in the world to use what is currently the world's most advanced aircraft on European short- and medium-haul flights. And with our new flagship, the Boeing 777-300ER, you will arrive at your long-haul destination comfortably and safely.