Fear of flying holding you back? Or perhaps someone you care about avoids travel because of anxiety about planes? There is encouraging news. For the first time in its 25-year history, British Airways is bringing its successful Flying with Confidence program to New York.
The one-day course, which has already helped more than 45,000 people overcome their fear of flying across the U.K., will be held at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on April 27.
The day begins with presentations by British Airways pilots who explain how aircraft operate, the technical aspects of flight, and the causes of common events such as turbulence. Clinical psychologists lead practical sessions on relaxation and anxiety-management techniques, offering tools to control panic and build confidence. The program concludes with a 45-minute flight that lets participants apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
British Airways Capt. Steve Allright, one of the course organizers and co-author of the book Flying With Confidence: The Proven Programme to Fix Your Flying Fears, shares practical tips included in the program and the upcoming book:
- Understand that turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous. It is a normal atmospheric phenomenon and part of routine flying conditions.
- Remember that aircraft are designed to fly; their structure and systems are engineered specifically for safe operation in the air.
- Pilots and cabin crew are experienced professionals who work daily in the aviation environment and prioritize passenger safety and comfort.
- If a nonstop flight feels overwhelming, break it into manageable segments. Plan half-hour activities to stay occupied—write a letter, watch a film, read, or enjoy a meal—to make the time pass more comfortably.
- Know that pilots undergo a thorough selection process and extensive, ongoing training. Aviation professionals are among the most rigorously tested in any industry.