Delta is trying to be the Miss Manners of the airlines by releasing 25 humorous videos called “Planeguage:  the Language of Traveling by Plane.” 

According to an Associated Press story out of Atlanta, Delta created the videos to show passengers the acceptable behavior when “confronted with delicate social situations.”  The article says that the humorous videos are being introduced on flights and are online (although I couldn’t locate them online to check whether or not they’re funny).   

So let’s imagine you’re a fearful flyer about to fly Delta, or any other airline for that matter.  I’m willing to bet that Delta’s Planeguage videos aren’t going to help you because for the most part the airlines pretend that fear of flying doesn’t exist.  I know I haven’t seen Delta's videos, and I may be wrong to make this preliminary judgment.  I just have this hunch. 

The AP article quotes Delta’s VP of marketing, Tim Mapes, as saying, “We understand what you go through as a traveler.”  Well, maybe Delta does understand  if you’re Joe Average Traveler in need of better traveling etiquette to face those "delicate situations."  But not everybody understands you if you're a fearful flyer who deals with your very own delicate situations every time you fly. 

The Delicate Situation of a Fearful Flyer 

So what’s the “Planeguage” of a fearful flyer?  Unfortunately, most of a fearful flyer’s Planeguage isn’t spoken—it’s the kind of anxious thinking that, as Captain Ron is fond of saying, starts the process of obsessive thought loops.  One anxious, fearful thought leads to another, then another, and pretty soon your fear is off and running, spinning out of control.  This is how those obsessive thoughts begin:  

• What’s that sound?  That can’t be good. 
• Why’s it feel like we lost altitude?  Uh, oh, I bet something’s really wrong! 
• If the flight attendants are being asked to sit down inflight, it’s gonna get really bad.  We’re doomed!
• Look at those clouds—bad turbulence is ahead.  We’re doomed! 
• A mechanical delay must mean this plane isn't safe.  I just know something awful’s gonna happen on this flight! 

And on and on goes a fearful flyer’s Planeguage.

Resolve to Learn a New Language 

Instead of replaying and replaying this kind of fearful flyer thinking, it’s time to get new Planeguage.  The first new phrase to learn is “I’m afraid to fly.”  Admitting it is often difficult for people, but it’s critical before you can begin to take charge of overcoming it. 

Next, learn about why flying is so incredibly safe.  Gain information about all those unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations.  Learn how to distract your fear and to cope with it.      

We at FearlessFlight.com understand what you really go through when you’re afraid to fly.  We understand your language, both the spoken words and what you’re thinking.  We understand fear.  And we’re always here to help. 

Several tools are available at fearlessflight.com to help you acquire your new language. So this year, resolve to learn new fearless flying Planeguage!