Want to overcome a fear of flying? Here's what it's like to attend British Airways' Flying with Confidence course

15.07.2024 - 14:54 / thepointsguy.com

If you are anxious at the thought of boarding a plane, you are not alone. The good news: There are resources available to help you.

The Washington Post reports that 40% of Americans fear flying, with 2.5% recording a clinical phobia of it. For some, there is the fear of the unknown, particularly if they have never been on a plane. Others may have had a traumatic experience on a previous flight and are reluctant to board another. A fear of flying can even affect business travelers who board flights regularly but want a better strategy for coping with the unpleasant feelings they experience flying.

Thirty-eight years ago, British Airways launched its Flying with Confidence program to help those who dread boarding planes. The course has helped 50,000 people overcome their fear of flying and boasts a 98% success rate, the airline says.

So what's it like attending one of these courses? British Airways invited TPG along to find out.

Related: Take it from your pilot, a fear of flying is more common than you think

The Flying with Confidence course runs throughout the year at U.K. venues with proximity to airports where BA operates — primarily Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), Manchester Airport (MAN), Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Glasgow Airport (GLA).

The program is divided into three sessions:

The cheapest one-day courses start at 395 British pounds (about $505) and include lunch, drinks and snacks throughout the day. There are around 100 spots offered each time this course is held.

Some courses operate in other countries, such as Australia, but they do not include the charter flight component.

Those outside the U.K. who are unwilling or unable to travel to undertake the course can also complete the course online for a reduced price.

You can book the in-person courses online, and they usually sell out well in advance. If you wish to be in a smaller group, BA also offers premium packages with a maximum of just four participants; these small group sessions come at higher prices — up to 1,895 British pounds (about $2,420) per person.

Private one-on-one courses with British Airways pilots can be arranged for an additional price.

These prices may initially seem steep, but keep in mind that the cost of running each event is quite high. For the airline, expenses include pulling an aircraft from revenue service and assigning it to the charter flight; paying pilots, cabin crew members and other staff members associated with the course; and renting a venue for the classroom portion and lunch. For the class I attended, that venue was in a hotel next to Heathrow.

Related: How science and psychology helped me overcome my fear of flying

I arrived at the Sofitel hotel adjacent to Heathrow Airport's