Virgin Atlantic Releases Its Anti-Anxiety Course For iPhone

Virgin Atlantic announced Monday that its "Flying Without Fear" course -- with claims a success rate of over 98% -- is now available as an app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Many people suffer anxiety at the prospect of flying. These fears range from anxiety at booking a trip to complete inability to board an aircraft. Whether it is the unfamiliar aircraft, the strange noises a plane makes, or the fear of losing control, Virgin Atlantic says this app is designed to help people overcome their personal fears.

"This is Virgin Atlantic innovation at its best," said Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson. "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. The app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight."

Virgin Atlantic's Flying Without Fear team have developed the app with Mental Workout, a company developing mobile applications focused on improving lives by helping people resolve issues and increase mental performance.

The Flying Without Fear app contains a personal introduction by Sir Richard Branson, a video-based in-flight explanation from start to finish of a flight, frequently-asked questions, relaxation exercises and fear therapy, a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises and quick tips, and a "My Program" section where each user can rate their personal fears and add future flights to prepare them for their next trip.

Virgin Atlantic's Flying without Fear team recently helped American actress, Whoopi Goldberg, overcome her fear of flying. The actress had not flown for a decade but a business commitment in London meant she had to step on a plane once again.

"The program works, I was a skeptic," Goldberg said. "I hadn't flown in 13 years but after doing their program, I understood that while my fear was real, there were many things I didn't know or had misinformation about, which they were able to clear up. So what happened? I now fly. It's that simple."

The Flying Without Fear app is available for $4.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch.

FMI: www.virginatlantic.com