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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
The Best Binoculars for Birders, With Picks for Every Trip and Budget
After years living in South Africa and spending my weekends exploring the country's magnificent game reserves, I turned to birding as something to do when other wildlife were scarce. In the decade since, I've realized that it's one of those rare hobbies whose reward vastly outweighs the effort and cost involved. Wherever you are in the world, there are almost always birds to spot and enjoy and the only investment required is a good pair of binoculars. For this reason, I'm now a self-confessed bird nerd who, when given the choice between a raptor and a rhino, is always more likely to be focusing on the creature with feathers. There are binoculars for all budgets and specifications, but the best magnification, objective lens diameter, field of view, close focus range, and size for you depends on your budget, the species you're most interested in, whether you typically bird on foot or from a hide or vehicle, and the type of habitat you most often find yourself in. To help you narrow down your options, our travel experts tested a wide range of binoculars while birding to give you the inside view. We used the tripod-adaptable Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 ED Binoculars for hours of birding in national parks across Oregon and were impressed with their 8x magnification. A 42-millimeter objective lens diameter lets in plenty of light while also facilitating a generous 8.1-degree field of view. Effectively, this meant we could easily find and track flying birds as they moved across the landscape, using the conveniently placed focus wheel to sharpen the image as our subject got closer or further away. The binoculars use extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses made from a special glass designed to minimize chromatic aberration for high-contrast, high-resolution colors that are true to what you'd see with the naked eye. The difference between ED and non-ED glass is especially noticeable at dawn and dusk, when many bird species are most active. In the bright Oregon sunshine, the binoculars' fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses helped to maximize light transmission and eliminate glare so that we could view birds at a considerable distance with very little detail loss. In terms of durability, these binoculars survived being thrown repeatedly into a backpack with no signs of wear and tear. The body is made from lightweight magnesium alloy with a rubber coating for impact resistance, while the interior is filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging when moving between cool and warm environments. They're also fully waterproof. The Details: 1.5 pounds | 8.1-degree field of view | 6.5-foot close focus | 17.2 millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $260 at Amazon $293 at The Athlon Optics 8x42 Midas UHD Binoculars combine 8x magnification with the 42-millimeter objective lens diameter and wider field of view often considered ideal for bird watching. They also boast ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses for a clearer, sharper image defined by the accuracy of its colors; while dielectric prism coatings maximize light transmission for increased contrast, color fidelity, and glare reduction. We were particularly impressed with the binoculars' precise focal range, which was easily adjusted as birds moved closer or further away. While there is some very minor distortion at the edge of the field of view, it's virtually unnoticeable unless you're focusing on it. With the eyecups twisted so that they were flush against our face, we were able to use the binoculars in full sun without any light leaking in and causing glare; equally, image quality remained consistent in the low light of late afternoon. The binoculars are compact, light, and great for hiking. They're also waterproof, argon purged for fog protection, and come with a tripod mount for alleviating fatigue when focusing for long periods on a nest site or other fixed point. The Details: 1.45 pounds | 8.1-degree field of view | 6.5-foot close focus | 17.2-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $189 at Amazon View on Competitively priced, perfectly packable, and lightweight enough to hold up to your eyes or carry around your neck for extended periods of time without getting fatigued, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42 Binoculars are an excellent choice for the casual birder. They combine 8x magnification with all the clarity of a BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and minimum glare. We found the image to be sharp and bright with no noticeable distortion, even on a sunset birding session in low light conditions. The focus wheel is ideally placed for making precise adjustments with one hand. Once focused, we were able to view birds on our feeder in minute detail. One thing to note—the field of view is slightly narrower than that of other options, making these binos best for environments that require minimal searching or tracking. They are sturdily made with a waterproof body, slip- and impact-resistant rubber coating, and nitrogen purged interiors for fog-free viewing in all climates. Twistable eyecups and a tripod adapter complete the list of features. The Details: 1.5 pounds | 7-degree field of view | 7.5-foot close focus | 22-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon The Pentax Binoculars AD are great for those planning a backpacking expedition, thru-hiking adventure, or any other kind of trip that requires you to prioritize lightweight equipment. Measuring just 4.3 x 4.1 inches, they are less than half the weight of our top pick and can easily be carried in hand or around the neck for extended periods of time. You won't be sacrificing any magnification, although the 25-millimeter objective lens makes for a much smaller field of view (5.5 degrees). We found that this made it tricky to locate and track birds on the move. And while we were impressed with the binoculars' ability to capture details on distant subjects, the 9.8-foot close focus limit means they're not as useful for viewing birds at close quarters. However, a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated, phase corrected lens make for a sharp, glare-free image with good contrast and color accuracy. We were able to focus easily and found the picture just as good on bright and overcast days. Nitrogen-purged waterproofing provides all-weather durability. The Details: 10.5 ounces | 5.5-degree field of view | 9.8-foot close focus | 21-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 25-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $449 at Amazon View on Backed by a 10 year warranty, the Kowa BDII42-8XD Binoculars are designed for adventures and built to last. Expect a lightweight, yet durable magnesium alloy body and rubber armor that feels both ultra-protective and comfortably soft to the touch. The binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen filled, and we found that they stayed completely clear in humid weather and in close proximity to the water. The sturdy, slightly weighty build helped us to brace the binoculars and keep them steady, but did cause some fatigue after long periods of use. In terms of performance, the binoculars offer 8X magnification and an impressively wide 8.2-degree field of view that allows you to locate birds quickly. They can also focus down to 5.9 feet for viewing birds on a feeder or smaller insects and flora in exquisite detail. ED lenses allow for fantastic image quality with no discernible blurring or distortion. We tested them in a range of light conditions with similar results. We especially liked how the fully multi-coated lenses prevented glare even while birding from a boat in full midday sunshine. The Details: 1.4 pounds | 8.2-degree field of view | 5.9-foot close focus | 17-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon If you're looking for a pair of binoculars that can stand up to the elements, look no further than the Zeiss Terra ED 8x42s. Rated for temperatures between 5 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, they're equally at home in tundra or desert while nitrogen purging protects against fogging in birding destinations with high humidity. Best of all, a hydrophobic multi-coating reinforced with glass fibers makes these binoculars waterproof up to 100 meters, meaning you could swim with them around your neck and they should still function perfectly afterward. They offer 8x magnification and ED glass for enhanced light transmission. We found the image clear and crisp all the way to the edges of the field of view and were impressed that there was no glare even when using the binoculars to scan for waterbirds on the Colorado River in bright sunshine. The intuitively placed, easy-to-operate focus wheel was a highlight, allowing us to make minute adjustments quickly. We also appreciated the 5.3-foot close focus, which meant we were able to get an incredibly detailed view of a tanager at close range. The Details: 1.6 pounds | 5.3-foot close focus | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon Ideally priced for beginners, the Nocs Provision Field Issue 10x32 Binoculars are compact and lightweight enough at just over one pound that we never felt shaky or fatigued using them. They'll also last well past your introduction to birding, with a textured rubber housing for maximum grip and protection, and a waterproof rating to a depth of up to three feet. A BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated lenses provides excellent light transmission, contrast, and color accuracy. We also found the oversized focus wheel easy to adjust one-handed while spotting. We liked the crisp view and loved that we were able to see individual feathers on distant birds thanks to the 10x magnification. We tested these binoculars alongside the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8x32 Binoculars and preferred the former's higher magnification; however, some may find the wider field of view offered by the latter preferable for scanning large areas. Additionally, the 8x32s have a higher relative brightness and may be a better pick for birding at dawn and dusk. Both come in a range of quirky colors and are protected by a "No Matter What" lifetime warranty. The Details: 1 pound | 6-degree field of view | 9.3-foot close focus | 16.8-millimeter eye relief | 10x magnification | 32-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon The Hontry 10x25 Compact Binoculars are a budget pick, so you won't have to worry about your kids breaking them or losing interest in birding. On the other hand, with a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lenses, they are effective enough to last into the next stage of the hobby if your children develop a passion for it. We were pleased with the sharpness of the image, which was undistorted and showed enough detail that we were able to see the veins on leaves and individual feathers in an owl's nest. With 10x magnification and a 25-millimeter objective lens diameter, the field of view is relatively narrow (6.5 degrees). But, the small lens size also makes the binoculars super compact and lightweight at just 9.6 ounces, making them comfortable for kids to hold. Ours were able to use them for extended periods without their arms getting tired, although our seven year old did need a little help reaching and using the focus wheel. Finally, the binos feel sturdy with a textured, non-slip grip and feature a carry case to help kids take care of them. The Details: 9.6 ounces | 6.5-degree field of view | 10-millimeter eye relief | 10x magnification | 25-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
'Heavenly' beach hidden in Pembrokeshire named among the best in Britain
A "heavenly" beach, hidden away on the Pembrokeshire coastline and only accessible on foot, has been named among the best in Britain. From Cornwall to Fife, and everywhere in between, the travel experts at The Telegraph have scoured the British coastline and come up with a list of Britain's greatest beaches. Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "Britain's relationship with its beaches might easily be described as 'complicated'. "There are days when the rain arrows in sideways, and that excursion to the seaside is reduced to huddling in fish-and-chip shops and Victorian bandstands. "There are days when everyone has the same idea, and you can barely see the sand for damp picnic blankets, grouchy children, yapping dogs and giant beady-eyed seagulls. "Then there are days when the sun shines at the right temperature and the ideal angle, the shoreline looks like a tropical postcard, and you briefly wonder why, for all the glorious places dotted round the globe, you would ever go anywhere else. "Right now, with the weather finally starting to play ball, we can focus on that third scenario – and the best that this country and its 7,723 miles of coast can offer. "For there will be plenty of days during the upcoming months when the perimeters of Wales, Scotland and England – and yes, their surrounding islands – are holiday heaven, and you will not be able to stop yourself unlocking your phone, and clicking the camera." 🏖️ Whether you are after buzzy or serene, a tiny beach shack, or rows of upmarket outlets there's a perfect beach break for you These are 10 of the best family-friendly beaches in Europe 👇 — Telegraph Travel (@TelegraphTravel) July 3, 2025 Britain's top 20 greatest beaches, according to The Telegraph, are: Par, Isles of Scilly Pedn Vounder, Cornwall Polzeath, Cornwall East Portlemouth, Devon Saunton Sands, Devon Seatown, Dorset Clevedon, Somerset Totland Bay, Isle of Wight Rottingdean, East Sussex St Margaret's Bay, Kent Walberswick, Suffolk Brancaster, Norfolk Morecambe North, Lancashire Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire Cocklawburn and Cheswick, Northumberland Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Penbryn, Ceredigion Elie Harbour, Fife Silver Sands of Morar, Highland Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris Baradundle Bay is one of just two Welsh beaches to feature among the list of Britain's best, released by The Telegraph. The "ravishing" beach is only accessible on foot (half-hour walk from the nearest car park), and it's for this reason that it's among the country's best. The Telegraph said: "You could comb through every pebble and grain of sand on Britain's shores and not find a lovelier beach than this great scoop of blonde sand fizzing into a sea of brilliant turquoise. "There's a reason Barafundle Bay on Pembrokeshire's south coast always sneaks into the polls of Wales' best beaches, but the good news is it hasn't let fame go to its pretty head. "Summer holidays and weekends aside, you'll often get this ravishing beach to yourself, particularly if you're an early riser. Why? "Because you can only reach it on foot: up and over grassy cliffs and dunes on a half-hour walk from Stackpole Quay National Trust car park." When was the last time you visited Barafundle Bay? (Image: Getty Images) The news outlet doesn't just stop at Barafundle Bay, recommending a visit to nearby Bosherston as well, where there is a trail that takes you through broadleaf woods and past water lily-spattered ponds. The Telegraph adds: "The path emerges at Broad Haven South, another stunner of a dune-fringed beach, with views to Church Rock." The Pembrokeshire beach also comes highly recommended by visitors, with Barafundle Bay boasting a near-perfect 4.8 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 1,189 reviews. Those who have made the journey to the "hidden" beach have described it as "beautiful", "amazing", and "one of the best beaches in the world". One visitor, posting on Tripadvisor, said: "I have travelled the world and have been lucky enough to see some heavenly beaches. "This is up there. Absolutely stunning. To visit West Wales and not see this beach is nothing short of a crime." Another added: "Be prepared for a walk but what a beautiful beach to find. "If you have children then it's very safe no traffic and no massive crowds. "Views on the way over from national trust car park are spectacular. "There is a cafe near the car park otherwise no shops. Very special place to go to." RECOMMENDED READING: Coastal town in Pembrokeshire named the best spot in the UK for beaches Discover the little Pembrokeshire village described as 'heaven on earth' 'Genteel' seaside town in Pembrokeshire with 'glorious' beaches among UK's best While a third person commented: "Short walk through wooded steps and across livestock field to Barafundle Bay, definitely worth the walk. "Just beautiful! Park at the National Trust car park at the quay and it is sign posted from there. "Dog friendly, beautiful walled beach with steps down to white sand and crystal clear, calm water. Already planning our next trip!"
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The beautiful city crowned most walkable in the USA
The most walkable city in the USA has been revealed – and it's earned the top spot for the third consecutive year. In the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, 20 cities across the country are picked by a panel of travel experts and voted on by the public. Each location is selected based on proximity of hotels and attractions, pedestrian accessibility and overall ease of exploration. Philadelphia emerged as North America's most walkable city, surpassing several popular tourist destinations such as New York City, Chicago, and Boston. New York City is ranked 10th on the list, followed by Washington DC, in ninth place, Savannah, Georgia, in eighth and Chicago, Illinois, in seventh. San Francisco, California, ranked sixth, while Boston, Massachusetts, came in fifth, followed by Columbus, Ohio at number four, Burlington, Vermont in third place and Providence, Rhode Island in second. The top honour marks the Philadelphia's long-standing appeal as a destination that is easy to navigate by residents and visitors alike. The city's vibrant and historical neighbourhoods are interconnected by wide, bustling sidewalks, where pedestrians can explore sights ranging from lush, green spaces and notable landmarks, to public art installations and premier cultural institutions. Being able to explore 'Philly' with ease means travellers waste no time in discovering and sampling the very best of the city's history, culture, cuisines and hidden gems. The Centre City Philadelphia corridor spans 2.4 miles from the Delaware River on the east to the Schuylkill River on the west, with pedestrians able to walk from one end of Centre City to the other within just one hour. The densely-packed corridor also offers a streamlined experience for explorers to discover locally owned businesses, boutiques, cafes, museums and galleries, such as Independence Hall or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Visitors are encouraged to book a walking tours or tour experience - each specially curated for personal interests in architecture, food, history or art - which can help to soak up as much of the city's offerings as possible. Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: 'We're thrilled that Philadelphia has been named the most walkable city in the US for the third year in a row. 'Walkability is one of our greatest strengths, especially for international travellers who want to maximise their time exploring the city. 'With world-class hotels, historic sites, diverse dining, and cultural attractions all within a compact, accessible footprint, Philadelphia delivers an experience that's easy to navigate and hard to forget.' For those planning a trip to Philadelphia, the International Visitors Guide highlights Philadelphia's diversity and inclusivity and features specialised itineraries tailored to all kinds of visitors, including families, foodies, art lovers and the LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, Heather Anderson, a 43-year-old writer from Washington, has visited all 50 states and here she reveals the USA's most underrated destinations to MailOnline Travel. It took the adventurer around 40 years to visit every state, a mission that she explains she took 'very seriously' over the last two decades. Heather tells MailOnline Travel that there are five underrated US states, saying: 'Each of these states has an often overlooked amount of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. They also have interesting history, lively cities and incredibly friendly people.'
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Genteel' seaside town in Pembrokeshire with 'glorious' beaches among UK's best
A seaside town in Pembrokeshire boasting "glorious" beaches, pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses, and "neat little shops" has been named among Britain's best. From North Berwick (East Lothian) to Deal (Kent), the travel experts at The Telegraph have compiled a list of Britain's 10 most genteel seaside towns. Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "While there's a certain nostalgic joy to the type of coastal resort that's all candy floss, waltzers and slot machines, there's arguably greater pleasure in towns that have the seascapes and the golden sand but that are more cute than kitsch. "More sourdough than doughnut. More vibrant arts scene than end-of-the-pier innuendo. More artisanal ice cream than Mr Whippy." 🏖️ From the 'Biarritz of the North' to a perfectly-preserved medieval town, these coastal destinations make for a refined trip Find out more ⬇️ — Telegraph Travel (@TelegraphTravel) June 1, 2025 The top 10 most "genteel" seaside towns in Britain, according to The Telegraph, are: North Berwick (East Lothian) Lymington (Hampshire) Padstow (Cornwall) Deal (Kent) Aberaeron (Ceredigion) Southwold (Suffolk) Lytham (Lancashire) Burnham Market (Norfolk) Lyme Regis (Dorset) Tenby (Pembrokeshire) Tenby was named among Britain's top 10 most "genteel" seaside towns by The Telegraph, recommended for its beaches, pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses and "neat little shops". The news outlet explained: "Tenby's four, beautiful Blue Flag beaches are enough to attract anyone. "But the cliff-top town behind is a looker too. Here old stone walls encircle pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses, many of which are now neat little shops, bars and cafes. "For culture, pop into the Museum and Art Gallery and visit the 15th-century Tudor Merchant House before eating at Plantagenet, fine-dining in a 1,000-year-old building." The Telegraph isn't the only one to speak highly of Tenby. Visit Wales describes the Pembrokeshire town as "one of our best seaside towns". The tourism experts said you can expect "glorious" beaches, Victorian houses and "warm hospitality" upon visiting the coastal town. While Tripadvisor added: "Tenby is lovingly protected from the outside world by an embrace of 13th-century stone walls, which, ironically, attract—not repel—visitors from all over the world. "The town is simply adorable, teeming with the archetypes of pubs and shops one would expect to find in a U.K. city. "Adding further appeal are the miles of gorgeous beaches and the gently lapping waves of a blue-grey sea." The best bars and cafes in Tenby, according to The Telegraph, that are a must-visit include: Harbwr Brewery Môr Tenby Stowaway Coffee As well as the beaches and shops, there is plenty more to see and do when visiting Tenby. The top-rated attractions on Tripadvisor included: The Dinosaur Park Manor Wildlife Park Heatherton World of Activites Tudor Merchant's House RECOMMENDED READING: The 2 'charming' seaside towns among the best in Pembrokeshire according to locals 'Tranquil' seaside town in Pembrokeshire among the UK's best to move to in 2025 Pembrokeshire village that's 'heaven on earth' named among poshest in Britain 'Impressive' seaside spot in Pembrokeshire among UK's best for food and drink While The Telegraph suggested taking a "fabulous" four-mile walk along the coast path to Saundersfoot and trying out Sea and Steam - a mobile woodfire sauna on the beach front. If you are looking for somewhere to stay while in Tenby, The Telegraph recommended the 120-year-old cliff-top Imperial Hotel.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
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.
