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Find your source of fear for flying- Is it the danger? Is it the noise? Is it confined space?
In this way, you can do research and find out more information and also plan your tactics. If it is the danger factor, upon research you will find that it is actually more dangerous to drive a car rather than flying. Indeed the noise of the engines can be scary, but earplugs can do the trick, not to mention help from your ears popping. Confined space might be a little tricky, but if you have a few extra bucks, 1st class is not too bad.
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Journal
When I am stressed or fearful I love to write. It calms me. I can see what I wrote, what I am thinking and I feel like I have control. Perhaps if journaling is not your thing, maybe drawing, or listening to music is.
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Talking with someone
It helps to talk to someone and especially someone who has flown before. They have been there, done it, and can share their experiences.
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Having someone you trust go with you
Flying alone the first time can be scary for anyone. Having someone you trust can help you overcome your fears.
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Imagery
Visualizing has worked for me as well. Sitting and imagining what it might feel to go on a plane can help. While scary, you can tell yourself everything will be okay. Slowly open your eyes when ready.
Fear can be a good thing. Your flight-fright response is activated, your adrenaline is rushing and you are able to pick up quickly on danger. However, sometimes it can be limiting, as it is with flying. When this fear is very real and extremely debilitating, it is referred to as pteromerhanophobia. Indeed, it will take someone afraid of flying longer to get to places or if not impossible to get somewhere. These are 5 things that have worked for me.
[...] Earlier this year, I wrote a blog suggesting 5 ways of overcoming fear of flying [...]