Great grandson terrified of flying.

Don't book it. It would be psychologically damaging to drag him onto an aeroplane

If it is,Spain that is not too difficult by boat & train. Ferry to Santader then train or across to France and train to Spain.

It is not that unusual for a child to feel frightened to fly. I have worked and used Hypnosis and NLP combined on adults but only a few children.
Once children learn all about how the plane is built, fly and how safe it really is they can come around.
When I work with children who are afraid to fly we focus on every aspect of flying and the noise. Yes I do relax them and teach them to use NLP to see, feel and actually look forward to the plane journey.
Fear is all in the mind really and children are logical are accept facts more easily than Adults. They also like fun so we make fun in Hypnosis and NLP
Joseph. Child Psychotherapist.
07709511913

Perhaps he could have a go in a flying simulator to experience things in a safe environment first. It might well help assist to allay his fears. To be honest, the fear of the unknown is far worse than the reality so if there is a way of getting through this, it would be much better for him in the long run. He may not be a traveller but facing your fears is something he may have to do as an adult so it would be a good learning curve if it can be done in a sympathetic way.

I would find out what troubles him about flying, rather his parents should, if you can't calm him down I wouldn't make him go against his will, he will have a real phobia if they did that. It is wrong to just dismiss their concerns because they are a child, in a few years time when he sees friends and family flying off, he might decide to try it, if not there's other ways. If he was my grandchild, I would stay with him and have lovely days out or take him to the seaside by train, the rest of the family can have their holiday and everyone happy, couldn't see him upset.

Blinko, I’ll research EFT, thank you.

Bijou, all he will say is that it’s ‘too high’. We’ve shown him old photos of his mum on planes with us in the past but no go.

My elder DD was always really scared of flying and would grip my hand and cry for most of the flight when she was little. She ended up being a great traveller, visiting countries all over the world, often on her own ( now curbed due to becoming a mum!)
Not much help I know to the OP’s dilemma but I would say it might take time to overcome his fears.

We never travelled abroad with our children (couldn't afford it) they didn't leave the country till they were in their late teens. They have both travelled extensively since and are none the worse for it. I'm sure the poor child will be perfectly happy having holidays here without the nightmare,of flying hanging over him.

Mine used to love visiting a regional airport when we were stay with friends. Watching the planes taking off and landing. If they have one, maybe try that a few times. Treat after at a restaurant. Then if you could find a cheap domestic day return flight where it doesn’t matter if he decides he doesn’t want to get on, for just him and a parent, that may be a better next step than booking a full blown holiday with lots of pressure on everyone. Travelling from airports is mega stressful these days. His first experiences need to be relaxed and calm. Are their any good children’s books that feature aeroplanes?

There are many talking therapies to cure phobias which work really well for children.
It's worth looking into.
I was cured of fear of spiders in one 20 min session.

Children are resilient, therefore I would book the Holiday and even though he may be uptight at first he will soon calm down. Try to encourage him to play a few games to take his mind off if the plane taking off.

Children aren't all resilient jaclovesdogs if this poor child has a horrible journey out he will have the nightmare of the the flight home hanging over him for the whole holiday. Why is it so important that he should be taken abroad?

Ooh crafty cat how did you do that? I hate spiders and it's that time of year again when the blighters are coming indoors.

If you do fly, let the crew know asap, it is also worth asking at the gate. Pilots are usually happy to have a chat and show kids the flight deck if it will help. It is often the case that kids have watched a scary plane video or heard something on the news. It is worth desensitiing by having some fun days out at smaller airports and maybe spotting different planes or airlines. Or visit a small local airfield.