Feinstein adds that forums like r/FearofFlying let travelers ask questions directly to Captain Jones and “find comfort in knowing they are not the only ones struggling with anxiety,” Feinstein explains. The subreddit could also help normalize fear, so that people don’t have to feel ashamed. Reddit isn’t the only platform where you can find support groups. Private Facebook groups, like the “Fear of Flying Forum,” have thousands of participants who offer pre-flight motivational talks. There’s a decade-old messageboard tied to the SOAR program, an online fear-of-flying course run by a pilot-turned-therapist named Tom Bunn. On TikTok, or YouTube first-time fliers can film themselves reacting to takeoffWhile others commiserate through comments, one says, “I’ve found my people,” to which another responds, “we need a therapy group!” lol!!!”
While browsing r/FearOfFlying, I was struck by how much its members care about each other. One commenter posted, “Flight from LAX to JFK, ready to board—track me please!” In minutes, I received replies like “Following.” You’re in good hands!” You’ve had a nice trip. Just passed 30,000 feet. “You got this!”
For many people, just being in a space where that fear is met with empathy—not dismissal—makes all the difference. Feinstein claims that it is an important tool taken from group therapy where other people offer us the support we need to learn how to give ourselves. “I’ve never seen a post with zero comments,” a regular on r/FearOfFlying named Franki* tells me. She joined the forum when she was diagnosed with severe anxiety, OCD and depression. “Everyone in the sub is supportive and empathetic,” she said.
Franki, as well as Sydney, both said they were reassured more by the pilots. air-traffic dispatchers Who jumps into r/FearOfFlying? demystify turbulence Explain the impact of weather on flights. Captain Jones, for instance, visits the subreddit several times per day. He says that he has helped to grow the subreddit from 5,000 members up to 36,000, by offering support and insight on how airline pilots operate safely, and what tools they use to make good aeronautical decisions. “I enjoy opening a window into our world of aviation, and letting people know how much work, training and regulation goes into it.”
Captain Jones is often asked about storms. He replied: “We as pilots follow a severe weather check list and need to be 100 percent sure that we are able to operate the aircraft safely. Also, having a back-up plan is important.” “We never take off or touch down with severe storms within three mile of the airport.” the airport. We do not land or take off with microbursts, lightning, or any other indication of a storm.
For some users, just having that kind of information—explanations, odds, protocols—can be enough to ease the spiral. “Data points about turbulenceFeinstein says, “, statistics about take-offs, landings, and crashes offer people a comforting sense of control in an uncertain world.” The need for constant assurance can be a problem, even if it offers temporary relief. “Most people with anxiety struggle with [fear of flying] Feinstein: “People can become frightened by the slightest possibility of bad things happening.” This can cause people to seek reassurance compulsively, which makes them feel even more out of control.
