New iPhone App Cures Fear Of Flying: What Can't This Thing Do?

Scared of flying? Would you rather drive 20 hours than hop in the sky for 3? You're obviously not alone, and now it looks like Virgin Atlantic is hoping to help those of you out who can't quite come to grips with soaring in the friendly skies. But we're not talking about fear training or something like that, we're talking about a new iPhone app. Yeah, an app!

The company's own "Flying Without Fear" course is now being made available via Apple's App Store, and it reportedly has a success rate of 98%. iPhone and iPod touch users can download it now, and according to company president Richard Branson, this app could help millions deal with their fears and hop onboard for the first time.

"This is Virgin Atlantic innovation at its best. 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.

Heck, even Whoopi Goldberg used this course to overcome her fear of flying. To quote: "The program works, I was a skeptic. 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."

Of course, you'll have to pay $4.99 for the app, but that's a small price to pay if it really gets you on a plane without being drugged up or dragged onboard.