Fear of Flying Workshop at MSP Airport

A supportive, therapist-led workshop that combines practical anxiety-management tools, hands-on airport experiences, and aviation insights to help anxious flyers feel more prepared for future travel.

Our next workshop is on Saturday September 26th.

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Take a Peek Inside the MSP Airport Workshop

Watch a short preview of the therapist-led fear of flying workshop experience at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

Fear of Flying Workshop Featured on WCCO News

Learn how this unique MSP Airport workshop, held in the Twin Cities, is helping anxious flyers take meaningful steps toward feeling more confident traveling again.

A Fear of Flying Workshop Near Minneapolis & St. Paul

If you struggle with flight anxiety, panic while flying, or fear of being trapped on a plane, this in-person workshop offers a supportive first step.

Hosted at MSP Airport in Minneapolis–St. Paul, this experience combines therapist-led guidance, practical coping strategies, and real-world airport exposure to help anxious flyers feel more informed and prepared.

Whether you’ve avoided flying for years, continue to fly with dread, or simply want more confidence navigating the airport experience, this workshop is designed to help you take a meaningful step forward at your own pace.

If any of the following sounds like you, this Minnesota-based workshop is for you:

  • You feel anxious in the days or weeks leading up to a flight and want a “practice run” to feel more prepared.

  • You have avoided flying for years and are looking for a gentle, supportive way to reintroduce yourself to the airport environment.

  • You currently fly but experience intense anxiety, panic, or dread before and during travel.

  • You’ve been actively working on your fear of flying and want a real-world opportunity to build confidence in a supportive setting.

  • You’re not quite ready to board a flight yet but want to take a meaningful step toward overcoming flight anxiety.

Who This Fear of Flying Workshop Is For

What to Expect at the MSP Airport Fear of Flying Workshop

This therapist-led fear of flying workshop combines practical anxiety-management guidance, real-world airport experiences, and aviation insights to help you feel more informed, prepared, and supported. Located at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, participants will learn alongside two licensed therapists. One with personal experience overcoming flight anxiety and another therapist with extensive experience in aviation operations and aircraft safety.

  • Practice navigating key parts of the airport experience, including check-in, TSA security, in a supportive group environment designed to reduce uncertainty and build familiarity.

  • Experience key airport areas firsthand, including check-in, security, and boarding processes. Get a feel for the environment in a low-pressure setting and build familiarity to ease future travel anxieties.

  • Sit inside a real aircraft fuselage (trainer plane) and spend time becoming more comfortable in an airplane environment without the pressure of taking a flight that day.

  • Learn practical coping tools and anxiety-management strategies designed to help you navigate anticipatory anxiety, panic sensations, uncertainty, and fear before and during future travel.

  • Ask questions about airport procedures, aircraft operations, and the flying experience while gaining supportive guidance from both a therapist and aviation professional.

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Our next workshop will be on September 26th, 2026.
Please note: All sales are final within 7 days of the event.

Trainer airplane used during the MSP Airport fear of flying workshop, where participants become more familiar with the airplane environment in a supportive setting.

Trainer airplane used during the MSP Airport fear of flying workshop, where participants become more familiar with the airplane environment in a supportive setting.

Jenny Matthews, LMFT and Justin Matthews, LICSW leading the therapist-led fear of flying workshop at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

Jenny Matthews, LMFT and Justin Matthews, LICSW leading the therapist-led fear of flying workshop at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

Interior of the grounded trainer aircraft used during the MSP Airport workshop, where anxious flyers can practice becoming more comfortable inside an airplane environment.

Interior of the grounded trainer aircraft used during the MSP Airport workshop, where anxious flyers can practice becoming more comfortable inside an airplane environment.

MSP Airport Workshop Details

Date: Saturday September 26th

Time: 9:30am-11:30am

Cost: $115 per person

Location: MSP Airport, Terminal 1

Group Size Limit: 25 people

anxious flyer on airplane
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Please note: All sales are final within 7 days of the event.

What Participants Are Saying About the MSP Airport Workshop

  • "If you have severe panic or anxiety surrounding flying, I think this event was a great low pressure option to build confidence.I now feel more prepared and confident for taking the next step in my recovery, which will be scheduling a short local flight. It was great to get lower-pressure practice to navigate the airport, go through security, and get on the trainer plane, while knowing that I could get off the plane and wouldn’t be taking a flight that day. I now feel ready to book the flight!"

    -Participant, Navigating Flight Anxiety at MSP Airport (March 2025)

  • "I found being able to go into the airport, going through TSA as a group, and being in the test plane a helpful step as someone who hasn’t been in an airport since 2009. Having the discussions while on the plane helped connect what I’ve been learning in my own therapy sessions, and the real world experience. I also found it very helpful that you both shared your personal experiences of overcoming panic. "

    -L.A., November 2025 Participant

  • “Thank you to Jenny and Justin, along with MSP and volunteers, for making this available. The event helped me feel confident and ready to take my trip — and when I flew to New York a few weeks later, I did GREAT on my flights!”

    -Krista H., March 2025 Participant

  • "This is what I had been praying for, an opportunity to get back into it without having the fear of a long flight. It was my next baby step to getting to where I want to be. Even if I did this exact same thing again, for me it would be good because the experience at the airport is just as stressful as the plane. Being in the airport and normalizing is helpful too. I feel like I am ready to do a practice flight to a nearby destination."

    Anonymous

  • "The simulator plane was the most helpful for me. To just sit on a "plane" again and know that there wasn't anything tied to it. Just getting the feeling for it."

    Anonymous

  • "This was the best experience I could’ve hoped for. I walked out of there with so much more confidence and motivation to conquer my fear. I walked into this experience with openness and curiosity. My panic and fear of flying grounded me. I didn’t think I would step on a plane again for a long time- if ever. The experience was comforting. I met people just like me and shared similar experiences. Suddenly this secret I was holding was no longer embarrassing. I got to talk and ask my questions free of judgment. I walked off the plane with a sense of confidence and ready to take my next steps!"

    — Participant, Navigating Flight Anxiety at MSP Airport (Nov 2025)

  • "It was comforting to be a group of people that also experience flying anxiety. When we sat on the plane and did a mindful exercise I felt a lot of relief when Jenny was saying that we are all taking a big step today. It was comforting to have someone see the struggle I’ve been going through and recognize that it was a big step taking this class and being on a plane again."

    -Jenny, September 2025 Participant

  • "I learned so much not just about the airplane itself, but the airport and the resources available. I also couldn't believe it when over half the group raised their hands when asked if they didn't fly due to panic attacks. It made me feel less alone and more seen. "

    -L.H., May 2026 Participant

  • "The opportunity to expose myself to anxiety at the airport, including going through security, riding the tram, sitting in an actual airplane seat, was priceless. I practice exposure therapy in my day-to-day life and being able to practice in that environment made me feel more empowered to travel. I would recommend this program to anyone who gets nervous flying!"

    -Amanda C., March 2026 Participant

Helpful Resources for Anxious Flyers

Check out our therapist-written blogs on fear of flying, panic on planes, airport anxiety, and what to expect from the MSP Airport Workshop experience.

Looking for a simple first step?

Start with our free Flight Anxiety Audio Series—12 therapist-led audio tools designed to help anxious flyers feel more grounded before, during, and after future travel.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Fear of Flying Workshop

    • While both programs help people prepare for air travel, they have different purposes:

      • MSP Airport Workshop is specifically for individuals with anxiety or fear of flying. The event focuses on understanding and managing flight-related fears with guidance from two licensed therapists—one with personal experience with flight anxiety and another with a background in aviation. It includes time in a trainer plane and a Q&A session to address participants’ concerns.

      • Navigating MSP Program is geared toward individuals with special needs, like autism or disabilities, and focuses on learning what to expect during air travel. This free program is offered by MSP Airport (not State of Mind Therapy) and offers practice runs through airport processes, such as TSA screening and meeting flight crew, and is only open to those with upcoming flights.

    • No, this event is not a therapy session or treatment program. It is an educational and experiential opportunity designed to help you feel more comfortable in an airport setting, learn about available resources, and gain practical insights to manage your flight anxiety. If you're seeking structured support to overcome your fear of flying, we recommend exploring therapy or specialized programs, such as our online courses for anxious flyers.

    • No, participation is completely optional. While we encourage questions, you are welcome to observe and take in the experience at your own pace.

    • Yes, participants will go through TSA security screening as part of the event experience. Please bring a valid ID or passport for security clearance.

      Because we will be going through security for this event, you must arrive inside MSP Airport by 9:15 AM to allow enough time to check in, go through security, and reach the Trainer Plane by 10:00 AM sharp.

    • A REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or a passport is required.
      Please be aware that TSA will charge a $45 fee if you do not bring the correct ID. There are no exceptions to this TSA policy.

      To make the most of your experience, we also recommend bringing:

      • Comfortable shoes, as we'll be walking around the airport.

      • An empty water bottle (to be filled after passing through security)

        And remember, because we will be going through security, you cannot bring self-defense items (pocketknife, pepper spray, etc.) or liquids. You can bring an empty bottle and fill it up once through security.

    • Yes! If you'd like to bring additional guests, they will need to purchase a separate ticket.

    • Due to the limited capacity of this event, registrations are non-refundable within seven days of the event and can’t be applied to a future session.

      Click here to see our full refund policy.

    • The cost is $115 per person, which includes a professional education from 2 professionals (both therapists, one with former career in aviation). Plus, after the session, you’re welcome to stay and explore MSP International Airport—one of the nation’s top-rated airports—featuring a variety of restaurants, shops, and relaxing spaces to make the most of your visit.

    • Our online course, The Fearful Flyer’s Blueprint, is a great option to enroll in before or after the event for those looking for a structured approach to overcoming flight anxiety. The in-person event focuses on providing informational insights and real-world exposure to the airport environment.

    • We’re happy to answer any additional questions you may have! Feel free to email us at jenny@stateofmindtherapy.com, and we’ll answer any questions you have.


    • Yes! We plan to offer more events in the future. Join our waitlist, and you'll be the first to know when new dates become available!

    • ✅ Search all folders (Spam/Junk/Promotions). Look for an email from Jenny Matthews with the subject: “You're In! Important Details for Navigating Flight Anxiety at MSP Airport”.

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      ✅ Move it to your main inbox and mark as Not Spam so future updates arrive on time.

      ✅ Reply “Got it!” to that message—this helps your email provider deliver the rest of our updates.

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    Please note: All sales are final within 7 days of the event.