The Easy Way to Enjoy Flying (Allen Carrs Easy Way) by Allen Carr

by Allen Carr

After smoking and diet, Allen Carr addressed the surprisingly common fear of flying. With the aid of his characteristic humour and pragmatism, this book demonstrates that this fear can be easily, successfully and permanently overcome as people understand just how safe flying really is.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

Paperback

First published February 24, 2000

About the author

Allen Carr was a British author and the founder of the global Allen Carr’s Easyway method, renowned for helping millions overcome smoking and other addictions. Born in Putney, London in 1934, Carr began smoking at 18 during National Service and struggled with the habit for over three decades. A qualified accountant, he finally quit in 1983 following a revelatory visit to a hypnotherapist. The experience didn’t directly cause him to quit, but it led to two key insights: that smoking was simply a form of nicotine addiction, and that withdrawal symptoms were minor and psychological in nature. These revelations inspired Carr to develop a revolutionary approach to quitting, one that did not rely on willpower, scare tactics, or substitution therapies.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.

Reviews

[Lora Lazarova · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t say that I got rid of my fear of flying after reading this book. The author just keeps on explaining how safe planes are - something that I am well aware of. In fact, I know much more about planes, safety and inflight situations because I’ve watched and read lots of stuff on this topic. I rated this book with 3 stars, but I might change it after my next flight. Let’s see!

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! I used to have a crippling fear of flying. It was also a fear of aeroplanes in general as even looking at them used to make me go shakey and tearful! Flying was almost unbearable and the fear had even prevented me going on holiday abroad. I read this book before going on a10 hour flight to Mexico for our honeymoon. I was very dubious but I cannot believe how the book helped! I used to cry for the majority of a flight and any bump or noise would have me convinced I was about to die! Having a drink before a flight would make no difference as I was going to die either way. Well, the flight to Mexico was thoroughly ENJOYABLE! I had no fear of take off or landing and actually kind of loved the bit where the plane went really fast just before taking off. The way home was equally as great, I even watched a lighting storm out the window with a smile on my face.

Two and a half years later and we've just flown out to Turkey with our baby boy. I can't believe that the book has still worked. I did read the abridged version before we came out just in case! The part that really sticks in my mind is to stay positive and... Don't try to fly the plane! I can now say I actually enjoy flying! I never ever thought it would be possible. I thought the book would be an interesting read but nothing more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels apprehensive about flying. If it doesn't completely work for you, fair enough. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

[E.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say whether or not I'm cured, as I read this book without having any sort of plane trip scheduled or anything. BUT I will say that my Fear of Flying was bad enough that even looking at planes made me uncomfortable and I'd start to feel symptoms similar to those I feel when actually flying. I can say now, with confidence that isn't the case anymore. As when I look at the machines themselves I think of all the things Alan Carr has taught me about flying.

Carr's method doesn't teach you breathing exercise or anything like that, but rather, he teaches you why flying is an irrational fear. Why there is no danger. Every fear I had, Carr addressed. I guess it helps that he himself had a fear of flying, because I could tell that he had been there.

By the end, as suggested, I did feel a sense of excitement. I felt unshackled and free. I was excited about flying because I thought of all the places I could go now.

I recommend that anyone with a fear of flying read this book. It's out of print, but you can get it on the cheap on Amazon. You'll be glad you did.

But you don't have to take my word for it... (^_~)

[Nic Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book difficult to get into as the first few chapters were reflecting on how he has helped people to quit smoking. Having finished the book, I'm feeling slightly less apprehensive than I did before reading it. I've given the book three stars, but may change my rating, I'll find out how successful reading it was next month, when I have to fly again.

[Paulo Girão · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norwegian version.

Cognitive therapy applied to the fear of flying.
Read it once and got super turbulence on the following flight, and I was relatively calm, given the circumstances. Cannot honestly say that I got rid of my fear of flying, but it is at least way better now than before.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're scared of flying, or just don't love to fly, read this book :)

[Cherrytree1886 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful. Have been on 4 flights since reading and I'm getting much better! (Never would have even got through check in before!)

[Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wenn es wirklich geholfen hat, gibt es 5 Sterne.
Ab ins Reisebüro ;)

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this on the day I was flying and I’m not exaggerating when I say I think it has changed my life.

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

didn't help me at all, made my anxiety worse (which is different from fear). yes, Allen, i am also afraid of elevators, small spaces, rollercoasters, hot air balloons, helicopters, and anything else not tethered to the ground.
anyway, the one thing i did find helpful to ruminate on TO A BRIEF EXTENT was his point that if you fear planes crashing, whenever a plane flies over your head you have to think that plane will crash too, otherwise you're just like self-focused because you're only believing a plane with YOU as a passenger will crash. but also, thanks for a new anxiety, Allen! aghhhhh

if anyone reading this wants some anecdotal help, these things keep me calm:
-listening to soothing music i'm very familiar with, i can zone out to it
-not listening to the safety instructions, not looking at flight attendant demonstrating this (i don't need an influx of anxiety, thanks!)
-knitting - i can't read in moving vehicles, not even look at magazine pictures, so knitting keeps me focused on my project and calmer
-briefly talking to seatmate DEPENDING ON THEIR PERSONALITY AND/OR LEVEL OF FEAR
-considering my outlook (he'd call this "positive thinking") as an adventure i get to have thanks to the miracle of flight, and thinking of the many people who ARE in control, and sending them good safe intentions - pilots, safety checkers, air tower controllers, engineers who made the plane, etc.
-thinking of/planning/daydreaming about my destination and the fun things i'll do there
-picking out a passenger or flight attendant to focus on, like making them into a personal celebrity "that guy seems fine, and nice, i'll trust him!"
-once i'm in the air, pretending i'm on a bus/train, even though the view out the window is different, it can be done! sometimes.

[Fiona Pearse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this to anyone with a fear of flying, like myself. Instead of telling you not to be silly and looking at you like you're mad, this book reasons with the phobia - indulges it - and steps you through all the reasons why the wings won't fall off the airplane mid-flight, the captain won't lose control going through turbulence, the hydraulics failing isn't really anything to worry about - they've two sets, and a manual mode, for goodness sake. Carr also had the fear and managed to reason himself out of it - as he did with smoking. A good and entertaining read and his voice of reason does come back to me during the shaky bits!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books ive read regarding fear of flying! its written in clear and simple terms with some brilliant advice and i trust in the help that the author has given me. All of his previous fears etc he describes and i was sat reading the book saying yes yes thats totally the way i always feel or think.

[Jodie Rowlandson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was recommended this book to try and aid my fear of flying but really I found it a bit hokey. It just pointed out everything I knew anyway. Yes I know it’s irrational. Yes I know it’s the safest way to travel. Just by repeatedly telling the reader this does not remove the fear!!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

перечитаю еще пару раз, но вообще полезно

[Benjamin Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first and only Allen Carr book I have read, his persona shines through a lot. I can see why peoples egos would be spiked by his bolshy dialectic but deep down I think he does care about helping his fellow humans overcome their fear.

I have flown a lot and I fall (fell!) into the category of flyer who believed that every plane I boarded, I was in danger. Carr uses frequently the analogy of catching a train, and whether this causes fear in the passenger. For me, sometimes yes, some coaches yes, some car journeys yes. But by reading this book I have listened to Allen's sound advice, I have switched my viewpoint of getting onto an aeroplane. In fact I am taking a flight in a few days and have decided to leave the valium at home.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would certainly say this book shows it's age by calling things "Schizophrenic thoughts". Nevertheless, I have given this book a chance. To me it felt more that he was trying to brain wash me into thinking planes are safe. In which I answer, I know but am still scared. It has helped me to think more positively about flights and look for ways to make me feel better about them. Such as making plans for when I'm back, looking at what movies are on the plane, which games I'll take etc.

I'm not sure it will cure my fear, but hopefully I will feel calmer about the experience. I'll update in April.

[Iris]

This reads like an old man rambling about some anecdotes from his youth when £2 where a meaningful amount of money, whilst intermittently shouting phrases like THINK POSITIVELY at you, but I do feel better about flying now 🤷‍♀️

[Dmitry Demidov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Довольно полезная книга. Мне помогла, но в комплексе с другими средствами. Для начала борьбы с аэрофобией подойдёт.

[Gary Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, seems to have a good sublimanal or conscious impact that rewires your view on risk/will power.

[Marc Biggar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable how much this works

[nils_kpl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hat meine Angst nicht vollständig genommen, aber geholfen hat es auf jeden Fall.

[Katey Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read for my flight today lol

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wracam z opinia po dwóch lotach po przeczytaniu ksiażki. Pierwszy był stresujacy, ale dzięki wyjaśnieniu przez autora wielu technicznych aspektów, mój strach był o wiele mniejszy. Drugi lot totalnie mnie nie stresował, podeszłam do niego na o wiele większym luzie. Leciało mi się świetnie, lekko i przyjemnie. Jeśli takie byłyby wszystkie moje kolejne loty, to nie miałabym już z tym większego problemu. Duża robote robi też pogoda oraz pilot, bo nie każdy startuje i laduje tak łagodnie.

[Øyvind Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am writing this review on my way back from the airport. Carr's book introduced some cognitive techniques I had previously not tried. I will say that my fear of flying was still present, but I now have ways of coping with it better. It's not a miracle cure but I recomnend it for people who want to better their flying experience