Fear of Flying?
Introduction
Fear of flying, also known as aviophobia, affects a significant portion of adults worldwide. Research suggests that up to 25% of travelers experience moderate to severe anxiety about air travel, leading many to avoid flying altogether (Van Gerwen et al., 2004). Fortunately, effective, evidence-based help is available. At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the Fear of Flying Clinic (FOFC) offers specialized programs that have helped thousands of individuals regain their confidence in the air.
Understanding the Fear of Flying
Fear of flying is often a complex blend of anxiety about loss of control, fear of heights, claustrophobia, and catastrophic thinking. While flying remains among the safest forms of transportation, these fears can feel overwhelming and involuntary (Oakes & Bor, 2010). The FOFC addresses these fears by combining psychological education, behavioral therapy, and experiential learning to target the thoughts and sensations that sustain anxiety.
How the Fear of Flying Clinic Helps
The Fear of Flying Clinic at SFO uses a structured, integrative approach designed to empower participants with knowledge, coping skills, and gradual exposure. Core elements of their program typically include:
✅ Educational Modules
Participants receive factual information about aviation safety, aircraft operations, turbulence, and pilot training. Presentations often involve experienced pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and maintenance professionals who can answer questions directly. This information helps demystify flight and reduce the unknowns that fuel anxiety.
✅ Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies
The clinic emphasizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which are among the most effective treatments for phobias (Wilhelm & Roth, 1997). Participants learn to identify anxious thoughts, reframe catastrophic predictions, and practice relaxation strategies to regulate the body’s stress response.
✅ Supportive Group Environment
Working alongside others who share similar fears can normalize the experience and reduce shame. The group format encourages peer support, shared learning, and the opportunity to witness others’ progress.
✅ Gradual Exposure Experiences
Participants engage in graduated exposure to flight-related situations, such as touring airport facilities or boarding a stationary aircraft. Over time, these experiences help retrain the nervous system to tolerate and eventually reduce anxiety. Many individuals report that this structured exposure is a turning point in reclaiming their ability to travel comfortably.
Why Choose the Fear of Flying Clinic at SFO?
The SFO clinic is unique because it brings together aviation professionals and mental health clinicians under one program. This interdisciplinary team provides both credible technical information about aviation and psychological support rooted in evidence-based treatment models. The clinic has decades of experience and a proven record of helping participants make meaningful progress, often enabling them to resume flying for work, family, or leisure.
Many graduates of the program report substantial improvements, including:
Greater understanding of how aircraft function safely
Reduced anticipatory anxiety before travel
Increased ability to remain calm during turbulence
Renewed sense of autonomy and empowerment
Taking the First Step
Fear of flying does not have to limit your life. Whether you have avoided airplanes for years or experience significant discomfort each time you board, support is available. The Fear of Flying Clinic at SFO offers a comprehensive, compassionate pathway toward overcoming aviophobia.
To learn more about their program offerings, visit the Fear of Flying Clinic website for additional information and resources.
References
Oakes, M., & Bor, R. (2010). The psychology of fear of flying (aviophobia): A critical evaluation of current perspectives on approaches to treatment. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(6), 327–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2010.10.004
Van Gerwen, L. J., Spinhoven, P., Diekstra, R. F. W., & Van Dyck, R. (2004). Phobia of flying treatment programs for passengers: An international update. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2(2), 89–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2004.02.001
Wilhelm, F. H., & Roth, W. T. (1997). Clinical characteristics of flight phobia. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 11(3), 241–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0887-6185(97)00009-7
