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  Get the Best Airplane Seat
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 Are You a Fearful Flier? Share Your Experiences
We all love traveling and seeing new places, but there's one part of travel that many of us don't love: flying. For some, flying is simply a hassle, thanks to high fares, airport delays and lost luggage. But for other travelers, flying is more than inconvenient; it's terrifying.
Fear of flying can be caused by a number of factors, including claustrophobia or a fear of heights. Many fearful fliers feel an irrational anxiety that their plane will malfunction and crash, no matter how many times they hear the statistics about how safe flying is compared to driving. Other travelers worry about terrorist hijackings, or panic at the idea that they're not in control of the aircraft that's carrying them.
No matter why you're afraid of flying, there are certain steps you can take to help alleviate your fears. Whether or not to fly is a personal decision, and one which we cannot make for you. But for those of you who are determined not to let this change your way of life, we offer a few tips on how to overcome fear of flying.
 Before Your Trip
1. Know what to expect. For many fearful fliers, learning the basics of how airplanes work can go a long way toward alleviating their anxiety. For instance, understanding how a plane can continue to fly even if an engine fails can help you feel less concerned about your aircraft malfunctioning. This site offers an easy-to-understand explanation of how planes stay in the air, what causes turbulence, and what's behind those scary sounds during takeoff and landing.
2. Familiarize yourself with your plane. Getting to know what your plane looks like can make it seem a little less scary. This fearful flier actually puts a picture of the plane's cabin on her computer's desktop; by the time her flight rolls around, the image is familiar, not scary.
3. Choose an aisle seat. Most airlines and booking engines allow you to request a seat assignment when you book your flight. Request an aisle seat, particularly if you're prone to claustrophobia; you'll feel less hemmed in by other people, and you'll be able to get up and move around the cabin more easily. (For more information on nabbing the seat you want, see Get the Best Airplane Seat.)
4. Monitor your media intake. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning: avoid plane disaster movies, news coverage of plane crashes or other scary media images. Remember that the vast majority of flights arrive safely, but only the problem flights make the news. Don't let that skew your impressions of flying.
5. Think positive. In the days leading up to your flight, it's easy to let the anxiety build. Instead, try to focus on more positive things -- like all the fun things you'll do once you reach your destination.
At the Airport
1. Don't rush. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport before your flight is scheduled to depart. Rushing to the gate and worrying about missing your plane will only add to your anxiety.
2. Wait for your flight in an airline lounge. Most airlines have private airport lounges that are quiet, luxurious oases away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the airport. While they're usually reserved for club members or elite fliers, you can often purchase a day pass for $40 to $50 -- which may be a small price to pay for a soothing place to relax and prepare for your flight.
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