Easing Flight Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide by Lassi Pensikkala
Recently, I was contacted directly by People magazine — one of the most widely read lifestyle publications in the world, with over 65 million monthly readers. Their Content Engagement strategist, Adam Groffman, reached out to share a story they had just published, which resonated deeply with the mission behind my free guide:
“Hi Lassi, I thought your readers might find this article helpful, especially considering the similar content you’ve featured on AmerExperience.”
The article is titled:
“I Have Flight Anxiety But My Best Friend is a Pilot. Here’s What Happened When We Took Off Together”
By Sam Silverman | People, May 18, 2025
It’s a compelling first-person story of overcoming flight anxiety through the power of trust, training, and perspective — themes that closely mirror the insights I share in my eBook.
1. Anxiety often begins long before the flight
Silverman describes feeling on edge the moment she gets in the cab to the airport — her thoughts racing, catastrophizing the unknown. In my guide, I explain:
“Flight anxiety often begins hours before takeoff. That’s why pre-flight routines are so important.”
I offer tools like:
- Booking preferred seats
- Arriving early to reduce stress
- Preparing calming items like headphones, water, and light snacks
These small acts give you back a sense of control — and begin to interrupt the anxiety loop before it spirals.
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2. Media headlines fuel distorted perceptions of danger
As a journalist, Silverman admits that her work exposes her to aviation tragedies, which intensifies her fear. This is exactly why I wrote the chapter “Facing your fears head-on.”
“Turbulence is normal. Accidents are rare. Flying is still the safest mode of transport.”
While tragedy makes headlines, the data tells another story — and shifting our focus to that data is key to calming the anxious mind.
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3. Human connection is more powerful than fear
What helped Silverman overcome her anxiety wasn’t a pill or a program — it was trust in her friend Claudia, the pilot.
“Most importantly, I felt safe and secure in the hands of my friend and her co-pilot.”
This confirms what I call the Anchor Principle in my guide:
“When we feel surrounded by capable, calm professionals, fear fades. A smiling flight attendant. A confident pilot’s voice. Even a supportive travel companion — they’re emotional anchors.”
4. Trust the system — and those who fly for a living
Silverman watched Claudia and her co-pilot go through every checklist, speak to air traffic control, and handle every detail with precision. Claudia later explains that pilots undergo over 1,500 hours of training before becoming commercial pilots, and are constantly evaluated.
This affirms what I emphasize in the guide:
“Pilots are among the most rigorously trained professionals in the world. Trust their preparation — because the aviation industry never stops improving.”
5. Fear is real — but confidence is stronger
One of Claudia’s most powerful quotes in the article is:
“You need this special confidence — this attitude that you’re going to do the right thing, even if it’s unpopular. Because in aviation, one bad choice can mean death.”
This mindset isn’t just useful in the cockpit — it applies to all of us.
In my conclusion, I write:
“Easing flight anxiety doesn’t have to mean years of therapy. It’s often a matter of shifting your mindset, preparing smartly, and trusting those who make flying possible.”
Final thoughts: This story confirms what I’ve been sharing with travelers for years
I’m grateful to People magazine for publishing this article, and especially for reaching out to me to share it with my readers. The story beautifully illustrates the same principles that my eBook is built upon — and proves that flight anxiety is common, valid, and manageable.
If Sam Silverman’s story inspired you, I encourage you to explore my full guide. It’s written to help everyday travelers like her — and you — feel peace at 35,000 feet.
Download the full guide for free:
Easing Flight Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide by Lassi Pensikkala
This eBook is practical, personal, and packed with proven tools:
- Breathing and mindfulness techniques
- Pre-flight planning tips
- Cognitive strategies
- Therapy options like CBT and virtual reality
- Truth-based reassurance from aviation statistics
- Emotional support techniques like the Anchor Principle
You are not alone — and your next flight can be different.
Let’s make your journey one of calm, not fear.
Why I understand flight anxiety
I have spent years studying and writing about the psychology of fear, mindful travel, and how our thoughts shape our emotional experiences. As an economist, international business developer, and frequent traveler, I have personally faced the challenges of flight anxiety during long international flights. That experience led me to research, interview experts, and help others understand how fear works and how it can be transformed.
My ebook “Easing Flight Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide” offers practical tools, real experiences, and clear explanations that help travelers fly with confidence and calm.
People Magazine reached out to me because my work connects real human experience with practical psychological insight — making flying not just bearable, but peaceful.
Lassi Pensikkala
Economist | International Business Developer | Travel Expert
Founder of AmerExperience.com
Books: How to overcome anxiety?
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Building a Support System
- Healthy Lifestyle Habits
- Overcoming Flight Anxiety
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