What is Aviophobia?

Answer:
Aviophobia is the proper psychological definition

of a fear of flying. The severity of aviophobia can range from moderate pre-flight anxiety to full-blown panic attacks at the very thought of boarding an airplane. Nearly a third of the general population may suffer from some level of aviophobia, although many may still be able to travel by air when necessary.

Considering that commercial airline travel has only been available for less than a hundred years, it should come as no surprise that some people may develop severe anxieties when it comes to flying. Aviophobia may actually be an amalgam of other phobias and fears, such as a fear of heights, a fear of confined spaces (claustrophobia) or a fear of the loss of control. Some aviophobia sufferers have specific fears of the take-off procedure or landing or in-flight turbulence. Others report a general anxiety about potential accidents or hijackings or mechanical failures.

True aviophobia can be treated through group therapy with other aviophobics, or through individual counseling and anti-anxiety medication. A group of aviophobia sufferers may undergo a series of visualization exercises and flight simulations in order to address major triggers for their anxiety attacks. There are also classes available online which provide advice and support for aviophobia sufferers addressing their condition on their own. Real-world classes often end with an actual short flight on a commercial airline, with a trained therapist onboard to address any feelings of anxiety or panic.

Some very famous celebrities suffer from aviophobia, so they often must make alternative travel arrangements such as private buses, trains or personal drivers. For those who do not have the luxury of time when they need to travel, however, some flying time may be inevitable. Aviophobia sufferers may find the expense of professional counseling may be a small price to pay in exchange for the ability to book commercial flights for business or pleasure.