OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- A plane hits a flock of birds, disabling the engine, which leads Captain "Sully" Sullenberger to pilot the plane to a sudden, but safe, emergency landing. Two pilots fly 150 miles past their destination and then say it was because they were working on their laptops. Another pilot was recently taken off a plane for being intoxicated. It's really no wonder why people who are already scared of flying remain in that position.

The holiday season is quickly approaching and as more and more people make plans to visit family and friends, these recent events have exacerbated fears for a number of people who already avoid flying. However, this does pose a problem for some of them. While they might want to travel to see loved ones, they're not sure if flying is worth it. This often leaves them with the options of forgoing the holiday gatherings or taking some other, much slower mode of transportation.

Duane Brown, Ph.D., author of Flying Without Fear, has a number of tips for those who find themselves in a quandary about flying. Some tips he recommends for anyone dealing with this over the holidays:

• Make your reservations early so family can sit together.
• Get to the airport early to avoid stressful crowds.
• If you haven't flown for a while review TSA guidelines online regarding packing.
• Make sure your luggage meets the weight restriction of your carrier to avoid extra charges.
• Pack snacks. Liquid drinks cannot be carried on unless they are purchased after you pass through security.
• Delays are possible, maybe likely. Taking things such as puzzles or small, computerized games will help children pass the time. Adults should give themselves a "bumper day" when returning so that they can appear at work on time.
• Don't plan to take wrapped packages through security. Wrap them after you arrive at your destination.
• Claustrophobics should book aisle seats and sit as close to the open space in the front or rear of the airplane as possible.
• If you are the family member of someone who fears flying, do not discuss fears, if any, but answer any questions they have accurately.

About Dr. Brown and Flying Without Fear

Duane Brown, Ph.D., is a professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he taught for twenty-five years. He also acted as lead trainer for the American Airlines AAir Born Program, where he led dozens of fear-of-flying seminars.

Flying Without Fear, 2nd edition (New Harbinger Publications, 2009) helps anxious flyers understand the reasons and physiology of their fears and teaches them how to cope with their anxieties, both before flights and while in the air.

Contact:
Adia Colar, Publicist
510-594-6107

SOURCE New Harbinger Publications

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