Tens of thousands of nervous travellers have turned to British Airways’ long-running Flying with Confidence course, which invites participants to take a short return flight from Heathrow Airport in a bid to tackle their fear of flying. Since its launch in 1986, more than 50,000 people have taken part in the programme, which boasts a 98% success rate and is next due to run on 28 June. The one-day course, priced at £399, has been carefully developed by the airline’s pilots and cabin crew to offer practical and psychological support.
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The course includes a presentation by British Airways pilots, who explain the mechanics of flight, how aircraft are operated, and why turbulence is nothing to fear. A psychologist also delivers a session designed to help participants manage anxiety and feelings of panic, using evidence-based coping strategies. According to Captain Steve Allright, the programme’s director, the course often brings emotional breakthroughs. “There are tears of emotion,” he told The Independent, describing how some people feel newly able to travel abroad to visit loved ones.
The experience culminates in a 45-minute flight that returns to the same airport from which it departs. Participants are supported on board by trained professionals, including psychologists, pilots, and cabin crew. The flight is designed to put into practice the tools and insights gained earlier in the day, helping travellers to face their fears in a controlled and supportive environment. For many, it is their first flight in years—or even their first ever.
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Events are held not only at Heathrow and Gatwick, but also in other cities across the UK including Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. With research suggesting that around one in four people experience some level of fear when flying—and one in 12 facing severe anxiety—British Airways’ course addresses a widespread and often overlooked issue. For those affected, this unique approach offers not just a chance to fly, but a pathway to freedom and renewed confidence.
