Fear of flying or aviophobia is a fear one experiences when boarding on a plane. This fear is caused by a number of factors including claustrophobia or fear of heights. Many fliers feel an anxiety that the plane they are in may crash or that there are terrorists that might hijack the plane.

However, you can overcome this fear by taking several steps to lessen the anxiety you feel.

* Learning the basics of how airplanes work is a big help for fearful fliers. Knowing these make them feel secured and less concerned if ever the aircraft malfunctions. Visit the site http://www.guidetopsychology.com/airfacts.htm to get simple explanations of the basic functions of airplanes.
* Get to know the airplane you are to board in. Familiarizing helps remove the anxiety away.
* Choose a seat that will not make you feel hemmed up by other passengers. Aisle seat is the best because you can get up and move around the cabin more easily.
* Do not watch movies about plane disasters or news about plane crashes. Watching these will only add to the anxiety you feel.
* Always look at the bright side of life. Don’t let negative thoughts build the anxiety.
* Don’t rush yourself.  Give yourself ample time to prepare before going to the airport.
* If opportunity permits, meet the team that handles the airplane. It would be good to have a conversation with the pilot or a flight attendant will lessen the fear.
* Relax. Don’t forget to breathe. Turn on the air vents above your head as you board; the flow of air will help you feel less claustrophobic.
* Do not take caffeine and other stimulants because these will only make you jitter.
* Bring things that will help divert your attention. Tuning in to music or reading something fun can offer a great blanket of comfort.

If these tips aren’t enough, here’s more:

* Take a medication. It will be helpful to pop a pill for anti-anxiety of a sleeping pill before you fly. Another is that you can ask the help of professionals like a licensed therapist or a counselor. They can help you discern the root causes of your fear and will also help you in finding ways to overcome them. Moreover, you can also visit the web. You can find there lots of websites that offer help for fearful fliers.

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