The jet settlers How BA course helped 50,000 to beat fear of flying
Newlyweds have been able go on honeymoon, families were reunited across continents, long-distance relationships survived and people headed overseas for new jobs.
And it was all down to a special British Airways programme which is marking 30 years of helping terrified travellers overcome their fear of planes.
The Flying with Confidence course has helped more than 50,000 since it was first run at Leeds-Bradford airport in West Yorkshire on August 17, 1986.
It was conceived by BA pilots keen to give panicking passengers a trusted and familiar one-day experience to overcome their concerns.
The course leader is BA Captain Steve Allright, who has been involved since 1992. He said: “We love flying and want everyone to share that feeling of limitless opportunity and adventure that only air travel can really deliver.
“We’ve had so many incredibly heartwarming stories during the 30 years of the course, but what they all have in common is that we’re helping to connect people and that makes it all worthwhile.” The course – now offered around the UK and at airports across BA’s global network – includes a seminar with pilots who explain technical aspects, what all those noises are and typical areas of concern such as turbulence. Then comes a session on relaxation techniques and managing anxiety. And the day ends with a 45-60 minute flight in a BA Airbus A320 jet with a dedicated crew so the travellers can put the theory into practice. It works too – BA says the pass rate is an impressive 98 per cent.
One formerly reluctant tripper – able to fly to New Zealand after taking the course – said: “It was invaluable as I understood exactly what the planes do, understood the turbulence and did my breathing exercises if needed.”
Courses start at £215 and the next one is at Heathrow on September 10.
Visit flyingwithconfidence.com for more dates.