Question 1

What exactly is fear of flying?

Accepted Answer

Fear of flying (aviophobia) is a specific, situational anxiety triggered by flying — for example during boarding, take-off or turbulence. It ranges from mild unease to intense fear and differs from a free-floating panic attack in that the trigger is clearly identifiable.

Question 2

How common is fear of flying?

Accepted Answer

Fear of flying is widespread: estimates suggest around a third of air travellers feel uncomfortable when flying, and a notable share avoid flying altogether. It is one of the more common specific phobias — so you are far from alone in feeling this way.

Question 3

When does fear of flying count as a phobia that needs treatment?

Accepted Answer

It is considered a specific phobia when the fear is clearly excessive, occurs reliably, leads you to avoid flying or endure it only under great distress, and affects your daily life or work. A professional assessment gives clarity — explained in detail on our fear-of-flying page.

Question 4

What helps in the acute moment of panic on board?

Accepted Answer

Proven help is slow, deliberate breathing (around 6 seconds in, 6 seconds out) combined with grounding through your senses. Remind yourself that the reaction is unpleasant but harmless, and talk to the trained cabin crew if needed. The app guides you through these steps even offline.

Question 5

Is a panic attack on a plane physically dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No. A panic attack feels threatening through a racing heart, shortness of breath and dizziness, but it is medically harmless and leaves no lasting effects. Your body cannot sustain this alarm state — the attack subsides on its own, usually within ten to twenty minutes.

Question 6

What is the difference between fear of flying and a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Fear of flying is situational and aimed specifically at flying, with a clear trigger. A panic attack is an acute surge of anxiety that strikes suddenly and often without an obvious cause. The two can overlap — pronounced fear of flying can turn into a panic attack on board, which is why first aid and training complement each other.

Question 7

How does the PassengerGuard app help with fear of flying?

Accepted Answer

PassengerGuard combines a multi-module mental flight training based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles with breathing and relaxation exercises plus instant relief for the acute moment. You work through your anxiety triggers step by step while having guided support on board whenever you need it.

Question 8

What is the Mental Flight in the app?

Accepted Answer

The Mental Flight is a guided mental flight simulation: you go through a flight step by step in your imagination — from boarding and take-off to landing. This form of mental exposure (chairflying) helps you get used to anxiety-provoking situations before you fly for real.

Question 9

Who is the app for — and how long does the training take?

Accepted Answer

PassengerGuard suits people with mild to pronounced fear of flying who want to work on it independently. The duration is flexible: selectable training plans range from a one-week introduction to several months for lasting effect — you set your own pace.

Question 10

Is PassengerGuard scientifically reviewed?

Accepted Answer

The PassengerGuard training was evaluated and accompanied in a study by the Research and Treatment Center for Mental Health (FBZ) at Ruhr University Bochum under PD Dr. André Wannemüller. Around 150 people with fear of flying took part, roughly 50 of whom trained with the app over three months.

Question 11

Did the university co-develop the app?

Accepted Answer

No. Ruhr University Bochum evaluated and accompanied the training in a study — it did not co-develop the app. This distinction matters to us: the scientific involvement concerns the assessment of the method, not the development of the product.

Question 12

Does the app replace psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

No. PassengerGuard is a self-help and training tool, not a medical treatment and not a substitute for psychotherapy. For severe fear of flying, other anxiety disorders or high distress, you should also seek professional help.

Question 13

Does the app work offline in airplane mode?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once the content has been installed and loaded, the breathing guides, grounding exercises and calming audio run fully in airplane mode — with no internet connection. This means you have the instant relief at hand even at altitude, when neither Wi-Fi nor mobile signal is available.

Question 14

Which devices does PassengerGuard run on?

Accepted Answer

PassengerGuard is available as an app for iPhone (iOS) on the App Store and for Android devices on Google Play. You install the app once on your smartphone and can then use the training and instant-relief content at any time, including on the go and on board.

Question 15

I have a technical problem — where can I get help?

Accepted Answer

For technical questions or problems, our support team is here to help. You can reach us with your request via our support page; briefly describe your device, operating system and the issue so we can assist you precisely.

Question 16

Is PassengerGuard a subscription — and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

PassengerGuard is a subscription with selectable terms (from one week to twelve months) plus a lifetime option. You can see the current pricing for your region on the App Store or Google Play — it is not a one-time flat fee.

Question 17

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You manage and cancel your subscription directly in the subscription settings of your App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period; a step-by-step guide is on our support page.

Frequently asked questions about fear of flying and PassengerGuard

Fear of flying — the basics

Panic during the flight

The PassengerGuard app

Science & study

Offline & technical

Price & subscription

Ready to tackle your fear of flying?

Related Topics

What is fear of flying?

Overcome fear of flying: 18 tips

Panic attack on a plane

The app against fear of flying

The Ruhr University Bochum study

Support & help