I don’t usually write blogs from such a personal perspective, but with recent aviation incidents making headlines, I wanted to share some of my own experiences. If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Hawaii but are feeling uneasy about flying, I hope this helps. I know what it’s like to battle those nerves, and I also know how safe – and worthwhile – flying truly is. 

Acknowledging the Fear: When the Sky Feels Uncertain

Recent news has put aviation incidents in the spotlight, stirring fear for those who already feel uneasy about flying. It’s understandable – our minds latch onto dramatic headlines, even if they don’t tell the full story.

For those of us who hear the call of travel but battle anxiety about flying, these moments can feel like confirmation of our worst fears. But here’s the truth: commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation in the world. And more specifically – flying to Hawaii is safe.

A Personal Journey: A Fearful Flyer with an Adventurous Heart

I’ve battled an intense fear of flying for as long as I can remember. I don’t know exactly where it started, it’s just always been there – a constant companion I never wanted. A nervous heartbeat at takeoff, a tight grip on the armrest during turbulence, a habit of glancing out the window to ‘check’ if everything looks normal – even though I wouldn’t know what normal is. And that’s putting my flight anxiety mildly. Very mildly.

And yet, despite that fear, I have always felt the pull of adventure.

Born in North Carolina and later making a home in Hawaii, I didn’t have much of a choice when it came to flying. If I wanted to see my family, I had to board a plane. If I wanted to explore the world, I had to embrace the very thing that unsettled me. And so, I did. And I have experienced indescribably beautiful things along the way. For instance, there’s nothing like flying over the Pacific in the quiet of night, and seeing the moonlight sparkle on the water below and millions of stars twinkle in the inky darkness. Seeing the pastel colors of the sunrise as we finally make way over land again. Changing time zones and landscapes and accents – in the span of a few hours. All possible because of flight.

My father, who founded this company, traveled the world many times over, visiting far-flung places I can only dream of seeing. Most of his journeys took place in the 1980’s – an era when when airline safety wasn’t as advanced as it is today. And yet, he had full confidence flying. He knew that air travel was the key to experiencing the world, to embracing adventure.

When my daughter was five months old, she took her first flight. I wouldn’t have put her on a plane if I didn’t believe in the safety of air travel. I trust it, just as my dad did, and millions of travelers who fly every day do –  even though it scares me. Both can be true at the same time.

The Truth About Aviation Safety: Perspective in the Clouds

For all the headlines and sensationalism, the truth is simple: flying is incredibly safe. In fact, statistically speaking, it’s safer than driving, biking, or even walking in some cases.

Airlines operate under strict regulations, pilots undergo rigorous training, and aircraft are built with layers of safety redundancies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States enforces some of the highest safety standards globally, ensuring that every commercial flight is backed by thousands of hours of preparation and expertise.

• Turbulence? It’s a normal part of flying – annoying (and scary), perhaps, but not dangerous.
• Mechanical Issues? Planes are designed to handle malfunctions and are inspected with exhaustive precision.
• Unpredictability? Every flight is guided by contingency plans, highly trained pilots, and cutting-edge technology.

The Romance of Flight: A Portal to the World, a Gateway to Hawaii

Fear may be loud, but so is the call of the unknown – the pull of new horizons, ocean breezes, and distant lands waiting to be explored.

Flying is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a miracle of modern travel, a portal that connects us to places we could never reach otherwise.

And Hawaii, a dream of so many travelers, is one of those places.

To step foot on an island in the Pacific, surrounded by turquoise waters and volcanic landscapes, is to step into a world that feels like it was made to be discovered. Without flight, Hawaii would remain a distant dream. But because of flight, it becomes a reality.

The moment you land in Honolulu or Maui, the door opens to adventure – tropical breezes rush in, the scent of plumeria fills the air, and the vastness of the Pacific embraces you. Whether it’s your first time or tenth, the magic of arrival never fades.

Practical Tips for Easing Flight Anxiety

If you struggle with a fear of flying, you’re not alone – and there are ways to make it easier. Over the years, I’ve found a few things that help me, and if you’re feeling nervous about your trip to Hawaii, maybe they’ll help you too:

• Use a flight tracking app – Apps like FlightRadar 24 let you see how many planes are in the sky at any given moment. Watching the sheer number of aircraft safely flying and landing hour after hour, day after day across the globe helps put things into perspective.
• Join a fearful flyer forum or take a course – There are online communities and even pilot-designed courses that break down aviation fears with facts and guidance.
• Noise canceling headphones or earbuds – Drowning out unfamiliar airplane noises can help you feel calmer and more in control.
• Be mindful of caffeine and rest – Too much caffeine can heighten anxiety, while a well-rested mind is better equipped to handle nerves.
• Choose a window seat – Looking out at the world from above can be a powerful reminder of the beauty of flight and why travel is worth it.
• Learn a little about how planes work – If you’re the type of person who feels comforted by knowledge, understanding the mechanics of flight can make it feel less mysterious and more predictable.
• Talk to the crew – Letting a flight attendant or even the pilot know you’re a nervous flyer can be incredibly helpful. Pilots have kindly reassured me before takeoff, even letting me step into the cockpit. Once, after I told the crew I was anxious, the captain made extra announcements throughout the flight to explain upcoming turbulence in a way that felt calming instead of alarming.

Little things like these have helped me shift my perspective on flying – not just as something I have to endure, but as something that allows me to explore the world.

One Life, One Chance: Choosing Adventure Over Fear

As a Christian, I believe in eternal life. But here, on earth, we only get one life. And I decided a long time ago I don’t want to let fear keep me from fully living it.

I’ve struggled with flying, but each time I step onto a plane, I remind myself that I am in God’s hands. I have learned to trust, to move forward despite fear, and to focus on the incredible experiences waiting on the other side of the flight.

Flying may never be my favorite thing, but I board planes because the destination is always worth it. And if you feel fear creeping in, let me tell you this: you are not alone. But you are safe. And beyond that fear is something greater – Hawaii, the world, and the adventure that awaits.

So, take the flight. The islands are calling. And they are worth every mile in the sky. If you are ready for an adventure, contact us to find out more about our all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages.