Virgin tackles fear of flying with iPhone app

Holidaymakers whose travel plans are disrupted by fear of flying may now be able to overcome their anxiety with a handy iPhone app from Virgin Atlantic.

The Flying Without Fear app is based on Virgin's popular seminars of the same name, which have helped thousands of people overcome their anxieties.

Virgin's courses are held across the UK every month, offering personal guidance from psychotherapists and even a practice flight for a fee of £199.

But now nervous travellers can benefit from the expert advice for just $4.99, thanks to a new iPhone app which incorporates many of the course's best elements.

"Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Flying Without Fear course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better," commented Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin group.

The app features a video walk-through of a typical flight from take-off to landing, as well as step-by-step instructions for relaxation exercises and fear therapy.

There is even an emergency 'fear attack button' which encourages the user to regulate their breathing, and as an added bonus anyone who signs up to Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club loyalty programme will instantly be offered 2,000 points to kick-start their membership.

Fear of flying, also known as aerophobia, is currently thought to affect one in five adults, with symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to debilitating panic attacks.

© Cheapflights Ltd

Comments

[Capt Tom Bunn LCSW]

This “app” is the same old stuff used at Pan Am in its course started in 1975 in a new wr-APP-er.

It didn’t work then – except for the mildest of cases – and it doesn’t work now.

The basis for the course, breathing exercises which – though useful on the ground - are useless for fear of flying in the air. The people who put this app together didn’t even bother to check the research which is at: http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/42/13/25

Though it might be thought that an app that is not APP-licable is harmless, it can be. When a person with a real case of fear of flying tries a method which is ineffective except for very mild flying problems, they get the idea that their situation is hopeless.

There are programs that offer effective advanced help for fearful flyers. Unfortunately, this is not one.

[Captain Keith Godfrey]

I'm not in complete agreement with Captain Tom because people are different and what works for one person doesn't neccessarily suit another. But which group this would help puzzles me...unless you're swept along by brand hysteria and influence.

Our site at anxiousflyers.com is free. It's loaded with information and has more free video, audio and text help than any site anywhere so come and help yourselves.

We've also got a social network for fearful flyers where people can have helpful discussions with each other. Why anyone would bother to pay $5 for this app is beyond my understanding.