Fear of Flying in Famous Figures - Understanding Celebrity Aerophobia

Understanding Fear of Flying in Famous Figures

Flying on airplanes is a normal part of life for many celebrities who have to travel frequently for work. However, despite needing to fly often, numerous famous figures confess to being afraid of flying or having an aviation phobia.

Fear of flying, also called aerophobia or aviophobia, is an intense fear of air travel. It is estimated that around 20% of the population has some apprehension about flying. For those with a true phobia, the thought of getting on a plane can cause severe anxiety, panic attacks, nausea and other distressing symptoms.

Even many high-flying celebrities admit to fear of flying despite having to frequently take to the skies. Understanding what causes their aviation anxiety and how famous jet-setters cope can help anyone dealing with nervousness about air travel.

What Causes Fear of Flying?

There are a number of factors that can trigger anxiety related to air travel:

• Lack of control - Not being in control of the plane can create unease.
• Confined spaces - The cramped cabin can induce claustrophobia.
• Takeoff and turbulence - These sensations can make fliers feel unsafe.
• Fear of crashing - Statistically very rare, but still a common fear.
• Heights - Looking out the window at a height may produce vertigo.
• Previous trauma - Having been in a plane crash or flight emergency.

These triggers can provoke anxiety responses like rapid heart rate, trembling, dizziness and panicky thoughts for those predisposed to aerophobia.

Anxiety Disorders and Flying

Many celebrities with fear of flying also reveal they have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders that can contribute to aviation anxiety.

Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and phobias involve persistent and excessive worry, fear or panic. Sufferers may experience anxiety attacks before and during flights.

Other mental health conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also heighten flying fears.

Underlying anxiety issues likely make some stars more prone to aerophobia triggers and symptoms while in the air.

Celebrities Who Have Admitted Fear of Flying

Many household names have been upfront about their aviation anxiety and described steps they take to get through air travel despite their fears.

Jennifer Aniston

The Friends star has openly admitted she is terrified of flying. She has described hating take-off and landing, and even declined film roles in the past due to being uneasy about the flight to filming locations. Deep breathing exercises and therapy have helped her cope somewhat.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi has spoken about being a very nervous flier for many years. Turbulence is a major trigger for her in-flight anxiety. She prefers to travel with someone who can distract her from worrying thoughts when flying.

Matthew McConaughey

The actor has reportedly had aviophobia since childhood. As an adult he still does not enjoy flying. He generally does so only for film roles and brings family members or assistants on flights to provide moral support.

Candace Cameron Bure

The Full House star has openly discussed her debilitating fear of flying that stems from a turbulence incident years ago. She uses therapy, medication and faith to help get through airline trips for her career and personal life.

Cheryl Cole

The British singer and TV personality is said to have such an extreme fear of flying that she canceled a tour when she could not travel by boat to the gig locations. She also reportedly stops speaking days before she has to take a flight.

Dennis Quaid

The actor avoids flying when possible after having a terrifying experience with severe turbulence on a flight. For work trips he uses coping mechanisms like anti-anxiety medication and meditation techniques.

Carrie Underwood

Underwood struggles with aviophobia to the point she avoids touring via plane when she can. Her fear worsened after her tour manager had a fatal crash. She travels to many concerts now on her custom tour bus instead.

Eric Stonestreet

The Modern Family actor has a longtime intense fear of flying that has caused him to have anxiety attacks on commercial flights. He often charters private jets now to reduce fear triggers during necessary air travel.

Wayne Rooney

Soccer star Rooney developed aerophobia and panic attacks on flights after a harrowing emergency landing experience. He uses coping methods like alcohol, visualization and statistics to counter fears when he has to fly for games and travel.

Tips Used By Celebs To Cope With Fear of Flying

Celebrity aviophobia does not have to ground a career that involves frequent flights. Stars often use various techniques to help manage anxiety when they have to take to the skies:

• Medication - Anti-anxiety meds like benzodiazepines can relax nervous fliers before and during flights.
• Exposure therapy - Slowly acclimating to flights with therapists can desensitize phobias.
• Cognitive therapy - Identifying and reframing negative thought patterns.
• Breathing exercises - Methods like deep belly breathing can relieve anxiety mid-flight.
• Visualization - Imagining a peaceful, happy place can provide distraction from fears.
• Distraction - Immersing in movies, books or conversation can direct focus away from worries.
• Comfort items - Bringing a comforting blanket, sweater or picture can reduce stress.
• Support person - Flying with a trusted companion provides reassurance.
• Private plane - Chartering a private jet with fewer fear triggers can calm celebrities.

Overcoming Aviation Anxiety

While celebrities often have the resources for private planes, therapy and medication, these are not the only ways to overcome anxiety about flying commercially:

• Learn about flight safety - Statistics showing the very low risk can be reassuring.
• Avoid alcohol before flights - While it may seem calming, it increases anxiety for some.
• Try an aisle seat - More control over space can reduce triggers.
• Distract yourself - Bring books, games or tablets laden with entertainment.
• Do light exercise - Stretches and yoga poses relieve tension.
• Use positive visualization - Picture arrival and joyful reunions.
• Breathe deeply and slowly - This self-soothes the nervous system.
• Seek therapy if needed - Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches effective tools.

With the right approach tailored to specific fears, even celebrities with aviophobia can successfully get where they need to go by air.

Key Takeaways

Here are some essential points about fear of flying among famous figures:

• Numerous celebrities admit to being afraid of flying despite frequent air travel for their careers.
• Triggers like lack of control and crashes provoke anxiety about airplanes.
• Underlying anxiety disorders can predispose some stars to aerophobia.
• Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey and Carrie Underwood are among stars who have confessed to fear of flying.
• Anti-anxiety medications, private planes and therapy are used by celebs to cope while flying.
• Learning statistics, distraction and breathing exercises can also help overcome aviation anxiety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.