As others have said, it’s unfortunate, and hard to believe, that your boyfriend has a phobia about flying ( aerophobia ), which has appeared as a problem months after starting a long distance relationship.


There are many different types of irrational fears – phobias – which may seem very real to the people who have them. Aerophobia is not uncommon ( possibly 1/10 ), despite travel by air being relatively safe, and most are mild.


Of course there isn’t a realistic alternative to flying to and from the Philippines, especially if it’s likely to be more than one return trip.


Any genuine person who had aerophobia, but needed to fly, would attempt to help themselves by simple “ informal “ measures. These could include chatting to friends and relatives who fly without problems, as well as those who might have overcome similar fears in the past. None of us like the cost of travelling, the tiring inevitability of waiting at airports and train stations, change of routine, diet, and new time at the destination. Good general health, as always, is beneficial. Best also to avoid excessive caffeine / alcohol intake especially during flying. Timely preparation for the trip

(http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....097#post483097) helps avoid unnecessary “ panic attacks “.



Far fewer have serious untreatable aerophobia. Each member probably does know people who refuse to fly anywhere ( but not normally in long distance relationships ). Even then, if common sense measures haven’t worked, “ professional help “ may be indicated. There are various psychological measures, such as counselling, and “ cognitive behavioural therapy “ . These are really just more formal ways for people with phobias to talk about their problems ( with clinical psychologists or even psychiatrists ), if simpler remedies haven’t worked.



Doctors are normally reluctant to prescribe medications ( antidepressants, tranquillisers, and or “ beta-blockers “ ) to reduce anxiety resulting from phobias, as they all have side effects. However, they might be able to give helpful advice. Many people with phobias don’t need formal treatment.


Anyone who is serious about a long distance relationship ( which they may not have anticipated when it started ) should at least try to reduce a fear of flying to a manageable level. They may need to be reminded that if they don’t, such a relationship would fail.


http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Phobias...treatment.aspx