Imagine you’re flying to Quintana Roo, everything is great, you know you’re going to be having one of the best vacations of your life, but all of a sudden someone a few seats down begins to demonstrate signs of a panic attack. According to Miami Helicopter, there is no suitable way to define the fear of flying. They use the term “fear of flying” to define what many others would call “aerophobia” or “aviophobia”. 
What triggers fear of flying?
- Plane: Being in a plane can cause physical sensations that may trigger panic attacks, especially in those that overly monitor their own body. For example, ear popping and fullness, feeling “lighter,” and pressure changes may all be triggers of panic attacks, or at the very least increase the amount of self-monitoring a person does in a way that makes them more prone for attacks.
- Plane Monitoring: Anything that causes someone to overly monitor themselves may make them more prone to panic attacks, which is why a similar problem occurs when people start to overly monitor the plane. Those that panic may be more prone to noticing every right or left turn, every change in elevation, and anything that makes them feel that something is “off.” Even if they know it’s nothing, it’s not the noticing that’s the problem – it’s the tendency for people to retreat into their own mind and notice even more.
- Discomfort: Of course, simple discomfort could lead to a likelihood of a panic disorder. Planes are extremely uncomfortable. The seats are cramped, the seat belts are tight, and there is barely any room to move, for someone with a fear of flying this could be unbearable.
- Hyperventilation: Some of the issues may be related to the way people breathe on planes, which is partially anxiety and partially pressure changes and seat comfort. Many people with panic attacks tend to hyperventilate on planes. Their breathing speeds up because of their anxiety, their stomach is pushed in from the seatbelt, and breathing in general can feel suffocating in a plane. Hyperventilation is one of the most common triggers of panic attacks and creates most of the symptoms, so this is a problem for those prone to them.
- Motion Sickness: Those that are prone to motion sickness – especially mild motion sickness may also be more prone to panic attack symptoms in planes. Planes are notorious for creating motion sickness and when there’s turbulence, this can cause nausea and faster breathing, both of which lead to panic.
Miami Helicopter recommends these tips deal with the fear of flying:
- Learn about what is triggering your anxiety
- Study positive information about flying and the fear of flying
- Get involved with other sufferers or aviation groups
- Eat well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep
- Study yoga and relaxation techniques
- Get professional help
- Get educated on flying
It’s important to deal with the fear of flying as soon as possible because it can ruin your summer vacation plans and leave your family stressed out. Having any type of fear can put a strain on your life. If you don’t learn to manage your fear of flying, you might be missing out on some great adventures. Visit SAMHSA.gov for information and treatment of anxiety disorders, such as the fear of flying.