Flying without fear

For many people, the excitement of a trip begins at the airport. Others start to struggle with nervousness, discomfort, or even panic days before departure. Fear of flying is widespread and can affect both occasional travellers and frequent flyers alike. The good news is that understanding what happens during a flight and knowing a few practical strategies can often help reduce anxiety significantly.

What is fear of flying?

Does your pulse start to race, or do you even start to panic at the thought of getting on an aircraft? Then you suffer from fear of flying – and you are not alone. Millions of people, including frequent fliers, are afraid of flying. Sufferers experience considerable tension when they board an aircraft. They start to perspire heavily, are short of breath, feel nauseous, dizzy, claustrophobic, and often feel helpless throughout the flight.

What leads to a fear of flying?

Flying is one of the safest ways to travel, but a key event such as a bumpy flight can often create anxiety. Turbulence can occur repeatedly during a flight, but is never a danger to flying safety. People with a fear of flying often lack the technical knowledge that allows them to differentiate between an entirely normal process and something out of the ordinary.

So what can be done?

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your flight. Try to avoid stress, and get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. It is a good idea to reserve your preferred seat in advance, because turbulence is less noticeable at the front of the aircraft. If you suffer from a fear of enclosed spaces, we suggest you opt for an aisle seat. Depending on the particular level of anxiety, distraction can be a good idea: read a book, tackle a crossword puzzle, or take advantage of the entertainment offer on long-haul flights, and inform the crew of your concerns. Our flight attendants are responsible for the safety on board, and are trained to deal with fear of flying. If you find, though, that your fear becomes so severe over time that you avoid flying altogether, you may benefit from attending a special fear of flying course.

"I didn't fly for ten years, but now I can board an aircraft as calmly and happily as I did before my 'fear of flying' time."

P. Scherer
Course participant
Fear-of-flying aeminars in Zurich

When it comes to overcoming a fear of flying, the collaboration between psychologists and pilots has proven particularly effective. Together with SWISS and Lufthansa Aviation Training, experts offer fear-of-flying courses close to Zurich Airport. Participants learn effective cognitive behavioural therapy techniques that help them confront and manage their fear in a lasting way.

The weekend seminar is designed for small groups of up to twelve participants. It is conducted in German and led by experienced SWISS cockpit and cabin crew members alongside a qualified psychologist. Participants are gradually introduced to the topic of flying in a supportive environment.

They become familiar with the world of aviation and learn what happens during the different phases of a flight. The seminar explains why turbulence does not pose a problem for an aircraft and sheds light on the many sounds passengers hear from take-off to landing, such as the extension of the landing gear or the movement of control surfaces on the wings.

Programme

Participants receive a solid understanding of how flying works and gain fascinating insights into the cockpit during an aircraft visit on the first day of the seminar. They also learn more about the extensive training of SWISS cabin crew and the important medical competencies they possess, particularly in the event of an onboard emergency.

In addition, psychologists provide valuable insights into how fears develop and share practical strategies for managing fear of flying in the long term. The seminar concludes with an accompanied SWISS scheduled flight to a European destination, allowing participants to put what they have learned into practice.

The Fear-of-Flying Weekend Seminar combines aviation expertise with psychological guidance. Through a gradual introduction to flying, an aircraft visit and an accompanied flight, participants are able to build confidence and gain positive new experiences.

Psychologists and aviation experts provide participants with a deeper understanding of flying and practical strategies for managing fear and anxiety.
Psychologists and aviation experts provide participants with a deeper understanding of flying and practical strategies for managing fear and anxiety.
During the walkaround, participants explore the aircraft up close and learn more about its structure, systems and safety features.
During the walkaround, participants explore the aircraft up close and learn more about its structure, systems and safety features.
Pilot Tom Fasel explains the pre-flight exterior inspection and offers insights into the checks carried out before every departure.
Pilot Tom Fasel explains the pre-flight exterior inspection and offers insights into the checks carried out before every departure.
A visit to the cockpit gives participants a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the pilots’ workplace and the technology that supports every flight.
A visit to the cockpit gives participants a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the pilots’ workplace and the technology that supports every flight.
Participants practise simple breathing and relaxation techniques designed to reduce stress and build confidence when flying.
Participants practise simple breathing and relaxation techniques designed to reduce stress and build confidence when flying.
SWISS cabin crew introduce participants to onboard safety equipment, emergency procedures and the extensive training they receive.
A SWISS cabin crew introduce participants to onboard safety equipment, emergency procedures and the extensive training they receive.

Participants particularly appreciate the combination of professional expertise, personal support and hands-on experience. When asked what advice they would give to others struggling with fear of flying, the most common response is: “Don’t wait. Do it. It’s worth it.” Studies and the programme’s success rate also demonstrate that fear of flying can be successfully overcome.

A similar programme is available in Western Switzerland. The seminar “Voler sans peur” in Geneva is organised in cooperation with SWISS, Geneva Airport and Skyguide, and continues to enjoy great popularity.

Safety is our top priority

Your safety and well-being on board are our highest priorities. Our modern aircraft are inspected before every flight and undergo regular maintenance at prescribed intervals.