Navigating Flight Anxiety at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Limited Spots Available – Next Event: May 17, 2025  

A supportive, hands-on experience to help you feel more comfortable in an airport setting and feel more at ease for your next flight.

Flight Anxiety Event at MSP Airport Featured on the News

If any of the following sounds like you, this event 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 way to reintroduce yourself to the airport experience.

  • You’re not quite ready to book a flight but want to take a meaningful step toward overcoming your fear.

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

A Safe and Supportive First Step Toward Easing Your Flight Anxiety

Your First Step Toward Smoother, Worry-Free Travel

Date: Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

(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)

Location: MSP Airport
Cost: $59 per person

What to Expect:

  • Meet your guides—a licensed therapist with personal experience overcoming flight anxiety and an aviation professional-turned-therapist with extensive experience in aircraft operations and safety. They’ll provide an overview of what to expect and set the stage for an informative and supportive experience.

  • 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.

  • After clearing security, you’ll have the unique opportunity to sit inside a real aircraft fuselage (trainer plane). This hands-on experience allows you to get comfortable in an airplane environment, ask questions, and engage in discussions designed to help you feel more at ease about flying.

  • Watch planes take off and land to help normalize the sights and sounds of air travel. Observing routine operations can provide reassurance and a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes.

  • Gain simple, actionable tips to stay calm and prepared before and during your travels. Discover strategies that can help you feel more in control and confident throughout the airport experience.

  • Ask your biggest questions and gain insights from both a therapist and an aviation professional. Whether you're curious about the flying experience or want to better understand what contributes to flight anxiety, this is your opportunity to explore your concerns in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Photo of the trainer airplane used during the Navigating Flight Anxiety event at MSP Airport, where participants practice managing fear of flying in a grounded aircraft.
Jenny Matthews and Justin Matthews standing in front of the trainer airplane at MSP Airport during the Navigating Flight Anxiety event.
Interior photo of the grounded trainer airplane used during the Navigating Flight Anxiety event at MSP Airport, where participants can sit inside to practice managing flight-related anxiety.

what participants are saying

  • "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!"

    Anonymous

  • "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

  • "Thank you to Jenny and Justin, along with MSP and volunteers for making this available. I feel more confident and I have the tools to help me feel ready to take my trip. The event was very helpful to me and I would recommend it to anyone from those with fear to someone worried about having to fly alone."

    Krista H.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    • Navigating Flight Anxiety at MSP 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 overcoming 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 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.

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

    • A passport or ID (required for security screening).

    • A notebook and pen (optional) if you'd like to take notes.

    • A suitcase (optional) if you'd like to practice real-world scenarios.

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

      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.

  • We offer a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of registration. Please refer to our refund policy for more details.

  • The cost is $59 per person, which includes a 90-minute guided experience with expert insights from a therapist and an aviation professional. 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 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!

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