From Fear to Freedom
Fear of Flying & EFT: How to Break Free
I know how crippling a fear of flying can be. For me, true freedom comes from travelling, seeing other countries, experiencing new cultures, and of course, flying.
Flying is a big part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine being extremely scared of it. Yes, I’ve felt that stomach-drop sensation during bad turbulence, but I can regulate myself. If you have a debilitating fear of flying, I truly feel for you, but I’m also excited that you are here now. Together we CAN release that fear, for good!
I’ve worked with many clients to help them release their fears, and today, I want to focus specifically on flying. The fear isn’t always just about sitting on the plane, it can start long before that. For some, it begins with packing, with the anticipation of the journey ahead. The worry starts even before they leave home.
That’s why, in my EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping sessions, we go right back to the beginning—even to the moment of booking the holiday. Where does the fear start for you? Is it when you first think about flying? When you pack your bags? When you travel to the airport?
Are you anxious about being late? Do you feel your heart race as you queue for security? Or maybe it’s once you board the plane—fear of being trapped, fear of turbulence, fear of having a panic attack in front of others. Wherever your fear begins, we can address it. And really, it goes deeper than that, mostly, the fear is connected to a past experience that has nothing to do with flying
How EFT Helps Release Fear
EFT is an incredible tool. I recently worked with a client whose fear of flying started with packing. We began tapping to release that fear, and as we worked through her journey, other fears arose. The fear of boarding the plane. The fear of having a panic attack while flying with her children. The fear of people watching her struggle. The fear of not being able to hold it in.
These fears are often mini traumas trapped in the body from past experiences. The amygdala, the reptilian part of your brain, controls your fight-or-flight response. This was essential when humans lived in caves, if a sabre-toothed tiger was outside, you needed to react instantly. Your heart would race, pumping oxygen to your limbs so you could fight or flee.
But today, your amygdala doesn’t recognise the difference between real danger and imagined danger. Instead of a sabre-toothed tiger, it’s a plane journey that triggers the same response. Your body floods with cortisol, the stress hormone. Your heart pounds, your mind races, and you physically feel the panic, whether through nausea, dizziness, or full-blown panic attacks.
EFT works by calming the amygdala while you tap on specific acupressure points. Science has proven that tapping reduces stress hormones and rewires the brain’s fear response. Once we have addressed each aspect of your fear, whether it’s turbulence, feeling trapped, or the thought of a crowded cabin, it doesn’t come back. How incredible is that!
Freedom from Fear Is Possible
One of my clients messaged me from the plane (though I only received it after she landed). She wrote:
"I’ wasn’t expecting such a huge difference, and I kept expecting the panic to come, but it’s been amazing, so freeing!" (We still have some more work to do to release the expectation of the panic.)
That freedom is what I want for you.
I love to travel. I love to learn. I love to see the world. And I genuinely enjoy flying, it excites me! I want you to experience that too. No matter how intense your fear feels right now, you can overcome it.
A Simple EFT Tapping Technique for Turbulence
If you’re already on a plane and turbulence hits, try this quick tapping technique to calm your body:
Acknowledge Your Fear – Place your hand on your chest and take a deep breath. Say to yourself:
“Even though I feel scared right now, I choose to feel calm and safe.”Tap on the Side of Your Hand (Karate Chop Point) – Gently tap with two fingers while repeating:
“Even though this turbulence feels scary, I choose to trust that I am safe.”Tap Through These Points While Breathing Slowly:
Inner Eyebrow: “This fear of turbulence.”
Side of Eye: “My heart is racing.”
Under Eye: “I feel out of control.”
Under Nose: “But I am safe.”
Under the lower lip: “The plane is designed for this, I am safe.”
Under the Collarbone: “I choose to breathe and relax, I am safe.”
Under Arm (About a hand width from armpit): “I allow my body to calm down, I am safe.”
Top of Head: “I am safe, I am supported, I can let go.”
Repeat as Needed – Continue tapping until you feel a sense of relief. Imagine the turbulence like bumps on a road, annoying but not dangerous.
(Even though I love flying, I felt a little nervous when my friend, who was learning to fly, took me up in a tiny four-seater plane. The instructor reassured us by saying, 'Imagine the turbulence is like driving over a few hedgehogs!' Ahhh, poor hedgehogs—but the humour made it so much easier.)
Tip - You could record this sequence on your phone to listen to so you don’t have to remember the script or the points.
Are You Ready to Let Go of Fear?
Why not try EFT for yourself? Book in for a free, no-obligation discovery call, and let’s talk. Let’s chat. Let’s give you the freedom you deserve.
This world is yours to explore, and flying will help you do that. Imagine feeling calm, confident, and even excited about travel. Imagine being free.
If you’re reading this with a fear of flying, you are here for a reason. This message is meant for you. Take that step. Trust that you can change. Let’s turn fear into freedom, together.
