5 tricks to make you feel less afraid while flying

Even if you’re not interested in becoming a pilot, learning more about airplanes could help ease your nerves, according to clinical psychologist Martin Seif.

Trying reading up on “how a plane flies, facts about turbulence, and the meaning of the various sounds and bumps during a normal flight,” Seif wrote on the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s website.

A deep dive into the intricacies of a plane’s mechanics isn’t necessary, but reading about the noises you’ll likely come across on a plane, and more importantly, listening to them — which you can do in this Smithsonian article— could help prepare you.

Seif also suggests trying out virtual reality. For example, this this New York City-based program combines VR therapy and biofeedback to expose you to the experience of flying before you conquer the real deal.