Fear of Flying (Flight Anxiety): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Fear of flying, also known as flight anxiety or flying phobia, is a common and treatable condition that affects millions of people. While air travel can offer opportunity and connection, it can also trigger intense fear and physical distress in some individuals.

At Inlight Psychiatry, we specialize in helping people overcome fear of flying with medication management and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), offering virtual care to support you wherever you are.

What Is Fear of Flying?

Fear of flying is a type of specific phobia that causes significant anxiety or panic when thinking about or preparing for air travel. Some individuals fear a plane crash, while others feel trapped, claustrophobic, or out of control during the flight. This fear can occur on its own or alongside other mental health conditions like:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Claustrophobia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Turbulence and Fear of Flying

One of the most common triggers of flight anxiety is turbulence, the sudden shaking or dipping of a plane caused by irregular air currents. Even though turbulence is rarely dangerous, it can cause a strong fear response.

Pilots are trained to handle extreme turbulence, and planes are designed to resist it. However, for individuals with flight anxiety, turbulence can feel unpredictable and uncontrollable. Studies show that up to 40% of people with a fear of flying cite turbulence as their main fear. This fear is often reinforced by catastrophic thinking, where natural flight sensations are misinterpreted as signs of danger, especially in those with high sensitivity to bodily sensations or anxiety disorders.
(Source: Frontiers in Psychology)

Common Symptoms of Flight Anxiety

People with flight anxiety may experience symptoms days or even weeks before a scheduled flight. Symptoms can intensify during take-off, turbulence, or while boarding.

Common signs of fear of flying include:

  • Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
  • Nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset
  • Excessive sweating or shaking
  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Strong urge to cancel travel plans
  • Avoidance of conversations or media about flying

What Causes Flight Anxiety?

There are several potential causes of flying phobia, often linked to both psychological and situational factors:

  • Past trauma, such as a turbulent or emergency flight
  • Fear of losing control, being confined, or relying on others
  • Media influence, such as news reports on plane crashes
  • Family or learned behaviour, especially if flight anxiety runs in the family
  • Mental health conditions, such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety

How Flight Anxiety Affects Your Life?

Left untreated, fear of flying can significantly limit your lifestyle and relationships:

  • Missed vacations, weddings, or special events
  • Inability to travel for work or career growth
  • Stressful travel planning or avoidance of travel altogether
  • Isolation when friends or family travel without you

How to Overcome Fear of Flying: Treatment Options at Inlight Psychiatry?

At Inlight Psychiatry, we use evidence-based methods to help patients manage and overcome a fear of flying. We offer virtual mental health services across Florida and nationwide, making it easy to access care from the comfort of your home.

  1. Medication for Flight Anxiety

Our psychiatric team specializes in prescribing medication for flying anxiety, including:

  • Short-term anti-anxiety medications to take before or during flights (e.g., benzodiazepines)
  • Long-term options such as SSRIs or SNRIs for those with chronic anxiety
  • Expert guidance on safe usage, travel prep, and medication timing
  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Fear of Flying

CBT is a leading therapeutic approach for specific phobias and anxiety. In CBT sessions, you’ll learn to:

  • Challenge irrational thoughts about flying
  • Reduce fear-based avoidance behaviours
  • Use practical relaxation techniques during flights
  • Practice exposure strategies (visualization, flight simulations, or gradual preparation)

We provide virtual CBT sessions tailored to your flying history and comfort level.

Why Choose Inlight Psychiatry?

We specialize in anxiety disorders and phobias, offering flexible telepsychiatry appointments for patients throughout Florida and beyond.

What You Can Expect:

  • Thorough psychiatric evaluation
  • A personalized treatment plan (therapy and/or medication)
  • Ongoing follow-up and symptom tracking
  • Supportive, compassionate care
  • 100% confidential virtual sessions

Get Help Today – Book a Consultation

Don’t let the fear of flying hold you back from travel, connection, or opportunity. Anxiety can be controlled, and confidence in flying increased with expert assistance.

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