Aerophobia, or "fear of flying," is a type of anxiety disorder that affects more than 25 million people in the United States. Individuals with aerophobia experience intense fear or anxiety when thinking about flying, including the moments of take-off and landing, as well as planning a trip or boarding an airplane. It may be due to various reasons such as acrophobia, claustrophobia, a sense of losing control, or even a history of turbulence or flights. In some cases, people acquire aerophobia without actually flying, often based on what they hear or see on the internet about plane-related incidents.

 

Aerophobia is present through both physical and emotional signs. Physically, individuals may experience sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or even full-fledged panic attacks. Emotionally, they may feel frightened, helpless, or have the overwhelming desire never to fly again. Panic disorder can severely impact an individual's social and work life, keeping them from traveling for leisure, visiting family, or business-related travel. The fear of flying can also put days or weeks of worry before a holiday.​