Overcoming a fear of flyingNovember 27, 1997Web posted at: 9:27 a.m. EST (1427 GMT) From CNN Correspondent Charles Feldman
TUSTIN, California (CNN) -- Almost 30 million Americans will be driving this holiday weekend, according to AAA, and just over 5 million will be flying. For many travelers, driving is cheaper or simply more convenient -- but for others, fear may rule out flying as an option. Sharlene Dunn is one of an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population who has a severe fear of flying. When she sings for nursing home patients, her bright voice is full of optimism and good cheer. But should she have to board a jetliner this holiday season to visit friends or relatives, she may be singing a much different tune. "It's acid pouring into my stomach," she says. "Palms are sweaty, probably like a panic attack." For those fearful of flying, help is available, sometimes from the airlines themselves. "There are classes that you can take and actual trips that you can make out to the airport where the captain and the flight attendants can talk to you, bring you on board an airplane so that you'll be comfortable with the surroundings," says Sherri Cappello of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. For those not interested in taking a class, some psychologists offer other solutions -- although, some people may not like what they hear. "You have to confront the fear and do the very thing that causes you the anxiety," explains clinical psychologist Jerry Kasdorf. To help fight that anxiety, doctors recommend various relaxation techniques as well as other methods of keeping your mind distracted during your flight. And it does help to keep in mind that the most dangerous portion of any airplane trip ... is the trip in your car to and from the airport. 
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