Over 50,000 people have booked flight to nowhere tickets worth hundreds
More than 50,000 people have paid for a flight to nowhere.
It might sound unusual but this flight - which takes off from Heathrow and lands back there around 40 minutes later - has been especially designed to help people with a fear of flying.
The flight, which is operated by British Airways, is part of the airline's 'Flying with Confidence' scheme.
BA says that its 'life-changing, one-day course gives you the knowledge and techniques' needed to 'overcome a fear of flying'.
In a TikTok video, travel experts at the @thepointsguy, explain that the course utilises the experience of pilots and psychologists to help attendees overcome their phobia.
They reveals that the course starts at an airport hotel conference space with a presentation by senior British Airways pilots.
The Points Guy says the pilots will 'explain how safely planes fly, how pilots operate them and the rigorous selection and regular training pilots must undertake to take to the skies'.
Attendees will then be joined by a clinical psychologist who will 'explain how fears of flying develop and can be managed'.
@thepointsguy
Tag someone who is scared of flying 👀 #turbulence #airplane #travel #anxiety
♬ Epic Music(863502) - Draganov89
There will then be a 'guided meditation' and 'relaxation exercise' to 'soothe course attendees into a deep calm'.
Trained staff will then guide course members through security and help them 'board a special British Airways charter flight', explains The Points Guy.
On the flight, experts will explain what every noise and 'bump' is to help attendees keep calm.
BA says: 'During the flight, an extra pilot on the flight deck gives a running commentary explaining all the various phases of the flight and just what is happening.
'This aspect of the course has been found to be very reassuring and valuable, helping people overcome their fear of flying.'
Does it work?
According to British Airways, more than 50,000 people have taken the course over the last 30 years and it has a 98 per cent success rate.
The airline's primary course costs £399 and passengers will take a short flight from Heathrow at the end of the day.
LEFT: The Points Guy says the pilots will 'explain how safely planes fly, how pilots operate them and the rigorous selection and regular training pilots must undertake to take to the skies'. RIGHT: On the flight, experts will explain what every noise and 'bump' is to help attendees keep calm
Its premium course costs £1,899 and includes two flights on British Airways' domestic services.
BA explains: 'Normally the "turnaround" time on the ground at the destination is less than an hour, with an opportunity for a flight deck visit.'
Who is the course for?
BA says that the course will help those with a fear of flying whether that's due to a lack of control, claustrophobia, a fear of heights or of falling.
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