Scared of flying? Press the iPhone panic button

 

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By Reuters and Barry Collins

Posted on 3 Nov 2009 at 12:38

People scared of flying can now press a button on their iPhone to help them deal with the panic.

Long-haul airline Virgin Atlantic has launched an application for its Flying Without Fear course, which boasts a success rate of over 98%.

The airline claims that the app was designed to help people overcome fear, be it of the unfamiliar aircraft, the strange noises a plane makes, or of losing control.

"Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Flying Without Fear course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better," Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, says in a statement.

"The app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight."

The airline developed the app with Mental Workout, a company developing software to help people resolve issues and increase mental performance. A spokesman from Mental Workout says an estimated one in every three adults were scared of flying.

The Flying Without Fear app has an introduction by Branson, a video-based in-flight explanation of a flight, frequently asked questions, relaxation exercises and a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises.

There is, however, one glaring flaw in Virgin's plan: all electronic equipment is barred from use during take-off and landing, which are surely two of the biggest pressure points for those who are scared of flying.