FAQs | Resources for your Fear Of Flying

Is turbulence dangerous?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Turbulence is a normal part of flying — it's caused by changes in air currents, weather patterns, or jet streams. Modern commercial aircraft are engineered to handle turbulence far beyond anything passengers will ever experience. Pilots train extensively for it, and severe turbulence that causes injuries is statistically very rare. Understanding what turbulence actually is can significantly reduce fear of turbulence during flights.

Why do airplanes make strange sounds?

Airplane sounds change throughout the flight — during takeoff, climbing, cruising, descending, and landing. Sounds like thuds, whirring, or changes in engine noise are almost always normal mechanical operations: landing gear retracting, flaps adjusting, or engines changing thrust. For anxious flyers, not knowing what these sounds mean is one of the biggest triggers of in-flight panic. Our What's That Sound? Guide explains every common airplane sound phase by phase.

Can you have a panic attack on a plane?

Yes, panic attacks during flights are common among nervous flyers. They can include racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of being trapped. While extremely uncomfortable, panic attacks are not medically dangerous. Having resources and techniques prepared before your flight — like our Panic Reset Audio or a breathing technique guide — can make a significant difference.

Is it safe to fly over the ocean?

Yes. Transoceanic flights follow strictly regulated routes with continuous monitoring from air traffic control. Aircraft used for long-haul ocean crossings carry extra fuel reserves and are equipped with multiple redundant systems. Statistically, long-haul flights over the ocean are no less safe than domestic flights. Fear of flying over the ocean is one of the most common forms of flight anxiety, often related to the feeling of being far from land.

How common is fear of flying?

Studies estimate that between 25% and 40% of people experience some level of flight anxiety, and around 6% have a clinical phobia (aviophobia or aerophobia). That means on any given flight, dozens of passengers are dealing with some form of fear of flying. It is one of the most common specific fears worldwide.

Is it safe to fly with kids if I have flight anxiety?

Yes, and many parents with fear of flying worry about this specifically. The concern is often about passing anxiety to children or not being able to manage both their own fear and their kids during the flight. Having a plan, prepared resources, and understanding what to expect at every phase of the flight can help anxious parents feel more in control when flying with children. Our Flying with Kids While Anxious guide covers this in detail.

What is the most dangerous part of a flight?

Statistically, takeoff and landing are the phases with the highest risk — but that risk is extraordinarily small. Commercial aviation is the safest form of mass transportation in the world. For people with takeoff anxiety or landing fear, understanding what the pilot is doing during these phases and why the plane behaves the way it does can reduce fear significantly. Our Flight Phases Card breaks down every phase visually.

What should I do during turbulence?

Keep your seatbelt fastened, focus on your breathing, and remind yourself that turbulence is normal. Having a plan helps — our In-Flight Checklist gives you a step-by-step guide for exactly what to do when the plane shakes, including breathing exercises and mental techniques. 

How can I prepare for a flight if I have flight anxiety?

Preparation is the most effective tool for nervous flyers. Start days before: learn what sounds and sensations to expect, choose your seat strategically using our Seat Selection Guide, pack using our Packing List for Anxious Flyers, and go through our Pre-Flight Checklist. Create a calm plan with our My Calm Plan Template so you have a personal strategy for every phase of the flight.

Do your resources replace therapy?

No. Conquering the Sky provides educational resources based on research, aviation knowledge, and the experiences of anxious flyers. Our guides, audios, checklists, and cards are designed to help you feel more prepared and informed. They do not replace professional therapy, medical advice, or treatment for clinical phobias. If you experience severe anxiety, we recommend consulting a mental health professional.

What's included in the Complete Flight Confidence Pack?

The Complete Flight Confidence Pack includes 20+ digital resources — guides, checklists, cards, and 6 calming audio sessions. It covers every phase of the flight (takeoff, cruising, turbulence, landing) and specific situations like night flights, long-haul flights, flying with kids, and returning to flying after years. One purchase, instant access, yours forever.

Can I use these resources during a flight?

Yes, every resource is designed to be used before, during, and after your flight. The guides and checklists can be read on your phone offline. The calming audios — including Relaxing 4D Ambient Music, Relaxing Piano Music, and the Stay Calm When Turbulence Hits Audio — can be downloaded and listened to at the airport or during the flight without internet connection.

I haven't flown in years. Where do I start?

Start with our First Flight in Years Guide — it's written specifically for people returning to flying after a long break. It covers what has changed in aviation, what to expect at the airport, and how to mentally prepare for your first flight back. Then use the Pre-Flight Checklist and My Calm Plan Template to build your personal strategy.

How can I help someone who is afraid of flying?

If you're traveling with a nervous flyer — a partner, friend, or family member — our How to Support a Nervous Flyer Guide explains what to say, what not to say, and practical ways to help during the flight. Understanding their experience makes a real difference.