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Check-in I Our Guide

30% of the population suffers from a fear of flying. Some choose to avoid flying altogether, but among those that still do travel by plane, the onboard experience can be tough – sometimes a whole trip can be ruined by the stress of it. Captain Alon Pereg, EL AL pilot and creator of the “Simplifly – overcome your fear of flying” app, has a few tips for those in need 5 tips to soothe your fear of flying

Face your fear 03 Instead of running away from your fear – stare it in the eye. Our natural tendency is to avoid fear as we worry thinking about it may bring on a panic attack. But it’s important to know that such an attack, if it does occur, isn’t dangerous and only very few people risk experiencing one. Try contemplating the reasons behind your fear. This is how you will eventually defeat it. Professor of Psychology Eran Hayut, member of the “Simplifly” team, compares avoiding one’s fear to avoiding one’s shadow. Running away from it is senseless as it will keep running after you.

Talk to the crew 04 Don’t hesitate to let the flight attendants know about your fear of flying. They have been trained to give you the support and information you need to keep it at bay during the flight. Don’t stop flying 05 The best way to overcome a fear of flying is to keep flying. Keep learning more about it and confronting it with the factual reality of its lack of rational basis. Flying will gradually become easier and easier. The “Simplifly” app is downloadable for free by all EL AL passengers either by using their PNR code or via the simplifly.co.il website. The program is available for viewing and listening on the EL AL in-flight entertainment system.

Fear of flying is based on false thinking 01

Consider it a wrong message your brain mistakenly sends you. There’s almost nothing in life that is as safe as traveling by plane.

Drink Water 02 Water is important when you fly because when the plane hits air pockets and loses stability, looking at liquid inside a cup minimizes the intensity of the jolt you may feel (this has been proven). Also, since losing your sense of thirst and hunger is a physiological reflex triggered by fear, eating and drinking teaches your body there’s no reason to be afraid.

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ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2022