You're listening to LifeKit from NPR.

Hey everybody, it's Maryl.

I have this friend who loves flying.

He loves walking around the airport and imagining all the destinations he could get to in a

day or half a day's time.

He loves looking out the window at takeoff as he's whisked away into the clouds.

And then again at landing, watching teeny tiny buildings and trees come into sharp relief

through his airplane window.

Air travel, he says, is a miracle.

That is a beautiful sentiment.

But tell it to someone who's afraid of flying.

Even thinking about flying in a plane induces fear and panic in many people's bodies.

That's the case for Beck Harlan, LifeKit's digital editor.

She will drive 12 hours to avoid getting on a plane.

But she has learned that there are ways to get through that fear.

On this episode of LifeKit, which first published in July 2022, Beck talks to a psychology

professor who shares tools and tips to help you cope when you are afraid of flying.

And by the way, even if you're not, this episode is full of great advice on how to handle

all of life's uncertainties.

I am really, really, really afraid to fly.

If you or someone you love feels a similar way, welcome.

I'm glad you're here and we are going to talk about it.

...