FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesOn the PlaneHo paura di volare. Posso parlare con l'equipaggio?
A2

Ho paura di volare. Posso parlare con l'equipaggio?

I am afraid of flying. Can I speak with the crew?

Pronunciation

pau-RA — stress on second syllable. e-qui-PAG-gio — stress on third syllable.

When to use it

Before or during the flight when experiencing flight anxiety and wanting crew support.

What it means

'Ho paura di' (I am afraid of) + infinitive. 'Paura' (fear) + 'di' is used for both nouns and infinitives. 'Equipaggio' (crew) refers to all flight staff. Cabin crew are trained to assist anxious passengers — informing them allows them to provide extra attention.

Variations

Mi può tenere informato durante il volo?

Can you keep me informed during the flight?

Ask for updates on turbulence and flight status

Posso sedermi vicino a un membro dell'equipaggio?

Can I sit near a crew member?

The jumpseat area is at the front and rear

Cosa significa quel rumore?

What does that noise mean?

Flap and landing gear sounds can be alarming to nervous flyers

Mini Dialogue

— Ho paura di volare. Posso parlare con l'equipaggio? — Certo, sono qui per aiutarla. Da quanto tempo ha questa paura? — Da sempre. I rumori mi spaventano molto. — Capisco. Le spiego io cosa sente di solito. Si sieda e parliamo un po' prima del decollo.

— I am afraid of flying. Can I speak with the crew? — Of course, I'm here to help you. How long have you had this fear? — Always. The noises frighten me a lot. — I understand. I'll explain to you what you normally hear. Sit down and let's talk a bit before take-off.

Cultural Note

Aerophobia (aviofobia in Italian) affects approximately 25% of passengers to some degree. ITA Airways and other carriers have trained crew in passenger anxiety support. Some airlines offer 'fear of flying' courses (corsi per il superamento della paura di volare). Informing cabin crew before boarding allows for extra support.