It's good to really understand that doing anything for the first time can cause anxiety. A fear of flying is called aviophobia and is one of the most common fears.

With the recent airline disasters, people who were marginally comfortable with the idea of flying are finding themselves reluctant to do so. Even some more frequent flyers are dealing with anxiety. This is a hindrance to personal freedom and opportunity.

Those that truly enjoy travel and have flown with any regularity are less likely to be affected. Many truly understand that the tragedy that has taken place was one of selfish acts from terrorists and not one of unsafe airplanes and careless pilots.

Making a flight as stress free as possible for a frightened flyer is an important issue and there are things that can be done to ease the tension.

• Schedule non-stop flights if possible. Since the motion associated with take offs and landings are a common complaint, minimizing this probably will help.
• Avoid booking on smaller planes or those with propellers until fears subside.
• Allow ample time to get to the airport with time allowed to get a magazine, good book or crossword puzzle
• Make sure that any connecting flights have sufficient time to make connections. Let's face it, no matter how often we fly, racing to the next gate is not comfortable, especially with luggage and family in tow!
• Bringing along plenty of books and other pastimes for the trip. Recorded stories on audiotapes or music are also pleasurable.
• Keep in mind that commercial airline pilots would not be doing this unless it was safe. We have all heard that flying in an airline is safer than driving a car….if you will consider the reality of this, you will know that it is a true statement!