Virgin Atlantic Releases iPhone App for Those Afraid to Fly

Published on: November 3, 2009

Virgin Atlantic’s “Flying Without Fear” course, which has a success rate in excess of 98 percent, is now available as an app for the iPhone and iPod touch from the App Store. It is the first of its kind. Many people suffer anxiety at the prospect of flying. These fears range from anxiety at booking a trip to complete inability to board an aircraft. Whether it is the unfamiliar aircraft, the strange noises a plane makes, or the fear of losing control, this app is designed to help people overcome their personal fears. Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, said that the iPhone app will put many travelers at ease. Virgin Atlantic's Flying Without Fear team have developed the app with Mental Workout, a company developing mobile applications focused on improving lives by helping people resolve issues and increase mental performance.

The Flying Without Fear app contains a personal introduction by Branson, a video-based in-flight explanation from start to finish of a flight, frequently asked questions, relaxation exercises and fear therapy, a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises and quick tips, and a "My Program" section where each user can rate their personal fears and add future flights to prepare them for their next trip. As a bonus, the user is offered 2,000 points when joining Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic's Flying without Fear team recently helped American actress Whoopi Goldberg overcome her fear of flying. The actress had not flown for a decade but a business commitment in London meant she had to step on a plane once again.

"The program works, I was a skeptic,” Goldberg said. “I hadn't flown in 13 years but after doing their program, I understood that while my fear was real, there were many things I didn't know or had misinformation about, which they were able to clear up. So what happened? I now fly. It's that simple." The app costs $4.99. For more information, visit www.mentalworkout.com/flying-without-fear/iphone/buy. For more information on Virgin Atlantic, visit www.virginatlantic.com.