“I was a few rows behind anyone with my kids and I just jumped up and ditched my kids and ran to the nearest person and sat down and said “Can I please hold your hand?! I'm just so afraid!”

Do you get nervous flying? Or, even worse, do you let that fear keep you from traveling? This week Richard chats with Toni Southam, a long time Award Travel 101 moderator and Paul Borish, a licensed counselor who specializes in helping those with a fear of flying. In the episode Paul and Toni offer some different ways to tackle this fear and other resources to help find what can work best for you. Tune in to hear Toni share what it’s like to be both a points and miles addict and afraid of flying.  

Show Timestamps

• 2:20 — Meet Toni, mother of four and points and miles pro.
• 4:54 — Meet Paul, a licensed counselor who specializes in travel anxieties.
• 7:43 — What's a typical flight like for Toni?
• 11:52 — How can you separate rational and irrational fears?
• 15:30 — How did Toni's first flight after working with Paul go?
• 19:43 — Paul describes a typical timeline for recovery.
• 22:30 — Tactical Breathing
• 24:35 — What kind of emotional support animal is Paul? 

Today's Guests

Paul Borish, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and long time award traveler in PA. In his private practice, he specializes in treating fear of flying (aviophobia) and other travel related anxieties. Utilizing a combination of tele-counseling and in person services, Paul works with clients all over the globe.
Check out his website Travelerspsych.com or reach him by email at: [email protected] 

Toni Southam is a moderator for the Award Travel 101 community and travels internationally with a family of six using points and miles. Despite her love for travel and points, her biggest fear is heading to the airport and taking a flight. Paul has been coaching her to help her anxiety. 

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at [email protected]
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

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