Overcoming the Fear of Flying
Would you like to fly again—even if fear has kept you grounded?
Let’s start with a story. Be encouraged.
Shannon, a 30-year-old speech pathologist, came to me and said:
"I want to fly again. My friends and family live all over the U.S., but just thinking about stepping on a plane makes my chest tighten and my stomach flip. I feel trapped before I even board. Can you help?"
If you relate to Shannon’s struggle, there’s good news: fears can be fought, and freedom is possible with God’s help.
Understanding the Fear of Flying
The fear of flying—also called aerophobia—is more common than most people realize. It’s not just “being nervous”; for many, it feels like a trap.
A past panic attack, a turbulent flight, or even the first time you felt out of control in a crowded space can set the stage.
Once your body’s fight-or-flight system kicks in—racing heart, sweaty palms, queasy stomach—it can convince you something is wrong, even when the plane is perfectly safe.
Here are some of the most common triggers:
Past panic attacks or stressful, trapped-feeling situations
Physical symptoms of anxiety misread as danger
Claustrophobia or fear of enclosed spaces (like an elevator or an MRI)
Fear of heights or falling
Exposure to news stories of crashes or emergencies
Once you see what’s really happening in your body and mind, you can start taking small, deliberate steps to reclaim the freedom to fly.
The Fight-or-Flight Response
Your fear is tied to your body’s built-in alarm system: the fight-or-flight response. When your scared brain perceives a threat—real or imagined—it triggers physical reactions like a racing heart, nausea, and muscle tension. You also have scary thoughts such as “what if this panic never ends?” or “what if I go berserk on the plane and completely embarrass myself — or even pee in my pants?”
Think of your body’s alarm system like a smoke detector. It can’t tell the difference between a burned bagel and a house fire—it just sounds the alarm. When your fear of flying triggers that alarm, it doesn’t mean you’re in danger. You’re safe, even if your body says otherwise.
Avoidance and Its Consequences
Many people cope by avoiding flying. Shannon had done exactly that for years. In the short term, it felt safe.
But avoidance also kept her from connecting with friends and family, attending weddings, and enjoying opportunities she valued. Avoidance tricks us into thinking we’re protecting ourselves, but it keeps us grounded—literally and figuratively.
Creating a Path Forward
Shannon overcame her fear by combining faith, practical steps, and a clear understanding of her anxiety.
Identify the Root Cause: Shannon traced her fear back to a panic attack she experienced in a crowded classroom years earlier. Since then, situations where she felt trapped—like airplanes—triggered intense anxiety.
Find Your “Why”: She had two powerful motivators. First, her faith—she wanted to trust God’s promises of peace and courage. Second, she longed to reconnect with friends and family across the country.
Address Supporting Fears: Her fear of flying was tied to other fears, like elevators and crowded spaces. We tackled these step by step in counseling.
Step-by-Step Exposure: Shannon gradually faced situations that caused anxiety, visualized flights, and replaced fearful thoughts with positive reminders—like reuniting with loved ones and thanking God for His faithfulness.
Through faith, practical strategies, and consistent effort, Shannon put her faith into action and started flying again. The panic lost its grip, and the freedom she thought was gone forever returned.
Flying Free
Today, Shannon visits friends and family across the U.S., attends celebrations she once missed, and travels without dread. The fear that once seemed insurmountable is now just a memory—a reminder that courage and faith, applied consistently, can reclaim what fear tries to steal.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).
Take Action
What’s the root cause of your fear of flying? How might identifying it help you move forward?
Think of three examples from Scripture where someone acted courageously despite fear. How can these stories inspire you?
What small step could you take to face—not avoid—your fear?
Need help with the fear of flying? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lucy at LucyAnnMoll.as.me