Does your fear of flying keep you from going on the trips you’ve always dreamed of, or from visiting family and friends? Phobias can be overwhelming and leave you feeling helpless. Many airlines understand how a fear of flying can impact your quality of life, and that’s why many created their own courses to get you flying with confidence.

Did you know flying is one of the most common fears to have, even though it’s often praised as the safest way to travel? Aerophobia impacts up to 40% of people, and according to Cleveland Clinic, 25 million American adults alone. But whether it’s the takeoff, landing, turbulence or beyond, enrolling in a fear of flying course could really aid in overcoming it.

What is a fear of flying course?

A fear of flying course is a voluntary seminar to equip frightful flyers with the tools to calm their anxieties and fears while traveling on an aircraft.

Though the specifics differ across airlines, some offer training videos, tours of the cockpit and psychological hacks, while others go into depth of the principles of turbulence, weather patterns and take students on actual short flights that takeoff and land at the same destination.

Which airlines offer fear of flying courses?

Most airlines that offer these fear of flying courses are international; however, each airline offers numerous courses throughout the year in cities all around the world. You’ll have to check with the specific airline’s program you’re interested in to see when and where their next available sessions are.

• British Airways
  • Primary course
  • Premium course
  • Private course
  • Flight only
  • Ground only
• Lufthansa
  • Intensive Seminar
  • Weekend Seminar
• EasyJet
  • Basic
  • Premium
• Virgin Atlantic
  • 30-day program
  • Webinars
  • Free Ebook & podcasts

Do these fear of flying courses really work?

Of course, results are different for every student. That being said, many testimonials praise these courses for being very effective. British Airways’ Flying with Confidence course boasts a 98% success rate. Others like Virgin Atlantic have assisted 2,000-3,000 people per year conquer their fear.

The post These Practice Flights Will Totally Help You Get Over Your Fear Of Flying appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Comedy fans, rejoice! The beloved New York Comedy Festival is returning in 2024 for its 20th iteration, and it’s bringing some top-notch talent! If you’re a fan of NYC’s comedy clubs normally, you’re really going to love the comics who are set to touch down in the Big Apple. Sure to be one of the best events in November, we’ve put together a complete guide of everything you need to know about this year’s festival!

What is New York Comedy Festival?

The New York Comedy Festival is an annual fall festival held in NYC that spans 10 days in November. It features over 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows across various venues throughout the city’s five boroughs. Established in 2004, the festival showcases a mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy from both emerging talents and renowned comedians!

When is New York Comedy Festival?

This year’s New York Comedy Festival is running from November 8 – 17, 2024.

Who’s performing at New York Comedy Festival this year?

Over the course of 10 nights, there will be a massive lineup of over 200 comedians taking over stages for 100+ shows across NYC! With over 100 shows already announced (and more still being announced), some of the scene’s biggest names are set to appear. Check out some of the most notable performers below:

• Judd Apatow
• Bill Maher
• Matt McCusker
• Tracy Morgan
• Dave Attell
• Jeff Arcuri
• Zarna Garg
• Adam Ray is Dr. Phil, The Rest Is History
• Nurse John
• Ms. Pat
• Gabriel Iglesias
• How Did This Get Made? (podcast)
• I’ve Had It (podcast)
• + so many more

Check out the full lineup of performers here!

Where is New York Comedy Festival?

The New York Comedy Festival takes place at various venues across all boroughs of NYC! Some of the most notable venues hosting NYCF shows include the Beacon Theatre, Madison Square Garden, Town Hall, Apollo Theatre, BAM, Carnegie, and many more. To see the full list of venues hosting performances, head here.

How do I get tickets to New York Comedy Festival?

Tickets for this year’s New York Comedy Festival are available via their website.

The post The New York Comedy Festival 2024: Complete Guide appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Who are we to resist an afternoon of thrifting? Fortunately, the BQ Flea is gearing up for an October debut, so we have roughly two weeks to craft a wish list.

Whether you’re in search of eclectic jewelry, home trinkets, or antique accessories, you’ll likely find a few gems at this new flea market from the creators of The Brooklyn Flea. At this time, “vintage and second-hand items, local artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and everyone in between” are invited to submit their applications for vendor status.

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Though the debut is still a few weeks away and matters are being finalized, it seems as though there will be plenty to peruse at this Williamsburg outpost. We’re totally ready to do a deep dive.

All about the BQ Flea

From 10am to 5pm on Sundays in October, interested shoppers can make their way under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) on Meeker Avenue between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street to scope out the selection of treasures.

As more information is revealed about the vendor list and the food selections that are Brooklyn-bound, we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop. Visitors can also expect weekly activations and local programming.

And there’s more good news: though the flea market is only slated for an October 2024 run at this time, should things go well, it will return on a weekly basis in 2025. We’re crossing our fingers!

So, what’s on your list? Personally, we’re never one to resist a few antiques for our apartment. We’ll see you there — don’t forget to bring a few empty totes.

Under the BQE on Meeker Ave. between Union Ave. and Lorimer St.

Sundays in October, 10am-5pm

For more information, or to learn how to apply as a vendor, visit the Brooklyn Flea website.

The post A New Flea Market Is Making Its Way To Brooklyn Next Month appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

New Yorkers dream of a few things: a loyal bodega man (with a resident cat manager), catching the subway doors just in time, and affordable housing. Though we can’t speak on the ability of your bodega man to remember your order, or the reliability of the MTA, we can spill a few secrets that we’ve learned from Housing Preservation & Development NYC on how to win an NYC housing lottery.

Under NYC Housing Connect, the affordable housing lottery program is a governmental effort to create inclusive opportunities for NYC residents across all five boroughs to have access to affordable housing. This, in addition to the building of 33,000 new apartments, is crucial to combatting NYC’s housing crisis at a time when housing is getting less and less affordable for young people with NYC’s expensive neighborhoods.

How to apply for an NYC affordable housing lottery

It’s important to note that applications for an affordable housing lottery are accepted via mail or online. We will be further detailing how to apply online.

1. Complete your profile on Housing Connect
2. Click on “Open Lotteries” & ensure your household size and income meet the requirement
3. Submit your application prior to the deadline

5 tips to winning an NYC housing lottery

Though the entire process is completely randomized, there are a few tips and tricks unknown to many that could give you a bit of an edge over other applicants or additional opportunities to get your hands on affordable housing.

1. Have all of your documents ready in advance

If your log number is pulled, you will immediately be asked for your documents:

• ID for you and everyone you will live with
• Tax forms
• Recent pay stubs for proof of income
• Old lease/utility bill

Having them prepared in advance in an accessible place will prevent you from scrambling for them at the last minute.

2. Keep an eye out for re-rentals

Affordable units can sometimes become available again, and in those cases, the competition is much less extreme. That’s because many New Yorkers don’t know they can opt-in for re-rental notifications on their profile.

You can find it on your profile under the “housing choices” section and all you need to do is select “YES” to be notified about re-rentals. If you choose to opt-in, be sure to watch your inbox as that’s where you will be notified of any re-rental opportunities.

3. Ensure your profile includes an accurate & up-to-date gross income

Qualification depends on your gross income (before taxes). Therefore, it’s very important you enter it accurately so as to not interfere with your chances of qualifying for a certain lottery.

4. Don’t risk missing your acceptance notification

Be diligent in checking your emails for any status updates. That being said, some applicants may never hear back, even if they qualify. However, if you do happen to be the selected applicant, you will need to promptly express your continued interest in order for the unit to become yours. Move in dates can be as soon as a week from your acceptance date, so be prepared for a quick turn around.

5. Explore boroughs beyond your first choice

Though your heart may be set on a certain borough, expanding which boroughs you’re willing to consider can improve your chances. According to HPS NYC, “some of the most successful lottery winners apply in boroughs they hadn’t originally considered.”

What are the chances of winning an NYC affordable housing lottery?

The chances of winning an NYC affordable housing lottery are about 1 in 590. So though it’s not easy, it’s definitely not impossible. And hopefully with these tips, you’ll feel more confident in your application and the opportunity to win.

The post 5 Secret Tips To Win An NYC Housing Lottery — Straight From The Pros appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here