Scared to fly? ... easyJet wants to help you become 'fearless'

easyJet has reopened bookings for its Fearless Flyer programme, a course that is designed to help nervous flyers gain confidence.

The budget European airline and package holiday operator will run nine courses, between September and January, across eight UK airports (plus Jersey for the first time).

It will run 'experience flights' from London Gatwick, London Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast and Jersey.

easyJet first launched the 'Fearless Flyer' programme in 2012. The airline says it has helped over 14,000 people, has now run the course 200 times and that it has a better than 95% success rate

"As someone who used to have a fear of flying, I understand only too well how restrictive this fear can be," said easyJet's Fearless Flyer course director Mark Wein.

"I encourage anyone with any doubts about flying to book now and change your life.”

Fiona Deans, who took part in the 200th course earlier this year, added: "I’m so glad I finally had the courage to book onto the fearless flying course. I hadn’t flown for 18 years ... Having time sitting on the plane before and afterwards was really good to have the time to talk to the pilots and crew.

"It was a great experience and I wish I’d done it years ago!”

easyJet's Fearless Flyer couse has three parts to it. First, a virtual ground course led by an easyJet captain and fear expert Lawrence Leyton.

That's followed by a a one-hour “meet the team” session complete with a Q&A.

Then, guests take part in a one-hour "experience flight" with live commentary from the Fearless Flyer team.

Spaces on the Fearless Flyer courses can be booked via an easyJet website.