The fear of flying, known as aerophobia, is a common affliction affecting many individuals, including notable celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Miley Cyrus, and Travis Barker. Despite their fame and frequent air travel, these stars have openly shared their struggles with the anxiety associated with flying.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, over 25 million Americans grapple with a fear of air travel. Interestingly, the majority of those affected do not fear crashing. Instead, the anxiety often manifests during takeoff, landing, or simply being on a plane. Each celebrity has a unique story behind their fears, with some rooted in traumatic experiences, while others have simply always found flying uncomfortable.
Travis Barker has one of the most harrowing narratives, having survived a catastrophic plane crash in 2008 that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including his assistant and security guard. After years of avoiding planes, Barker announced in June 2021 that he would attempt to fly again. With his partner Kourtney Kardashian’s support, he completed his first flight in 13 years later that summer. However, Barker admitted that the fear has not entirely subsided, especially following a tragic aviation incident in January 2025 involving an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter near Washington D.C.
Miley Cyrus also has a tumultuous history with flying, having experienced multiple near-fatal incidents. Brandi Cyrus, her sister, has described the anxiety that both Miley and their mother feel while flying, often feeding off each other’s fears. A particularly terrifying episode occurred during a flight to the Glastonbury Festival when the plane had to make an emergency manoeuvre to avoid a potential collision mid-air. Despite these experiences, Miley has expressed a desire to conquer her fear, stating her commitment to overcoming the anxiety associated with flying.
Jennifer Lawrence’s fear of flying became painfully evident during a private flight in 2017, when both engines of the plane failed. She vividly recounted the terrifying moment when she thought they would all perish, describing how she began to mentally prepare for the worst. Miraculously, the plane made a rough emergency landing, but the event left a lasting impression on Lawrence, who has since characterised flying as “horrific.”
Many celebrities have developed coping strategies to manage their aerophobia. For instance, Megan Fox listens to music while flying, noting that putting on the right tracks can distract her from her fears. Similarly, Jennifer Aniston has tried various methods such as hypnosis and meditation to overcome her anxieties. Meanwhile, DJ Khaled has shared how he managed to confront his decade-long fear of flying after the birth of his son. He realised that he could not avoid flying if he wanted to be an active parent.
Other celebrities, such as Nick Jonas, have also spoken candidly about their struggles. Despite being a frequent flyer, he admits to an underlying anxiety that accompanies each flight. Jonas has devised personal strategies to cope, such as staying awake prior to long-haul flights to sleep through the journey. Furthermore, Sandra Bullock, who survived a plane crash in Wyoming, decided to confront her fear by accepting a role in the film “Gravity,” a decision that forced her to tackle her anxiety head-on.
Even those who suffer from similar fears use humour to cope with the distress. Colin Farrell has openly expressed that flying instils a sense of dread within him, detailing how he feels the anxiety manifest through sweaty palms and a heightened awareness of sounds within the aircraft. This candidness about their experiences may help to destigmatise the fear of flying, showing that it is a common struggle that surpasses the confines of Hollywood.
As they navigate the complexities of their careers and personal lives, these celebrities serve as a reminder that fear is a universal emotion, transcending fame and fortune. Their willingness to share their experiences highlights the importance of understanding, resilience, and, ultimately, overcoming one’s fears. Armed with coping mechanisms and support from loved ones, these stars continue to soar despite the turbulence of anxiety.