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[quote=Anonymous]YMMV, but for me doing A LOT of research helped.  Reading all the information out there on flight safety, different model airplanes, what various types of turbulence means, etc.  Even reading about the more recent crashes helped.  Basically, once I am armed with information I feel like I can talk myself off the ledge, if I get there.

While that was the most helpful, some other things help.  For me, the lack of control contributes to my anxiety. So I started taking more control over the things I could.  I make sure to pay for the seat that is most comfortable for me. I dress comfortable. I always bring a water bottle, some snacks, my favorite music, etc.  Basically, everything that will make me the most comfortable. I found that lifting my feet off the ground and closing my eyes during takeoff helps.  When the bell chimes that we have reached cruising altitude, I am good to open/put down my feet.  I like to keep an eye on the flight attendants to monitor their reactions, figuring they will better understand whether turbulence is mild or not. I also prefer flying with a friend- but when not, I prefer the middle seat- I find having humans on either side of me comforting, even when they are strangers.  I also need a variety of distractions. I cannot watch a whole movie start to finish on the plane. So I download a few movies, tv shows, albums, games, books, magazines, etc.  And I entertain myself in pockets. Watch the first 10 minutes, listen to the first three songs, read the first chapter, go back to the next 10 minutes of the movie, etc.  This is chaotic, but it helps me. Finally, I also make sure to leave notes at home for my kids before every flight- just quick "I Love Yous" and I make sure my file with passwords/financial info/etc., is up to date.

Now that I have tools to manage my anxiety, I am much calmer on the plane.  I recently read my book for 2 hours straight on a plane and surprised myself. Read altogether, this sounds insane. But these were mostly behavioral tweaks that I figured out over time.

Flight anxiety is normal.  Lots of people have it.  You have to determine (1) is flying important enough to you to learn to manage the anxiety and (2) what works best for you in managing the anxiety. BUT, the anxiety doesn't go away.  It is always there.   [/quote]

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