Afraid to fly? You're not alone. A lot of people have a fear of flying, and it's usually due to turbulence. But turbulence is no big deal. I want you to think of turbulence like a river — a river has currents. Sometimes it's real smooth, like a lake. Sometimes it's a little more rapid, where the water picks up speed. Sometimes it's really rapid, like white water rafting.
Well, the air currents are no different. They pick up speed, and sometimes they get a little bumpy — and that's when you feel that unease in the back of the airplane when the airplane starts to bump.
Next time, before you take off and you're boarding the airplane, do this: ask the flight attendant if you can go up and visit the pilot. Ask them about the route of flight. Tell them that you're a nervous flyer — they'll put you at ease. They'll explain the route of flight, they'll explain any bumps. That reassurance will make all the difference next time you fly a jet airliner.
