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In September 2008, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker was escaping a burning airplane, terrified and covered in jet fuel. Barker survived a plane crash in South Carolina. Before the crash even occurred, he already had a deep-seated fear of flying. As you can imagine, this traumatic event didn’t help him to overcome his fear. He didn’t set foot on an airplane for the next 13 years. Last Saturday, August 14, Barker’s girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian helped him take a big step. Barker flew with Kardashian and her family in a private jet. He has been working for years to overcome his fear of flying. Now he has finally been able to board an airplane again, with Kardashian supporting him along the way.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker sit side by side attending an event
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker | Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s relationship

Barker, a heavily tattooed drummer, and Kardashian, a TV personality and model, might seem like an unlikely couple. However, the pair’s relationship began with friendship and evolved into romance over time. Barker and Kardashian are neighbors in the same gated community in Calabasas, California. Their children from previous relationships are also on friendly terms.

Barker and Kardashian have been hanging out as friends for several years, but their relationship officially began back in January of 2021. Many fans expressed delight over the new couple. The pair seem pretty smitten, posting each other on social media and taking their relationship public with Tweets and Instagram posts.

Travis Barker’s 2008 plane crash

According to Men’s Health Magazine, back in 2008, Barker boarded a Learjet 60 private jet in South Carolina with his friend Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein, assistant Chris Baker, and security guard Charles “Che” Still. The plane crashed, killing both pilots, Baker, and Still. Years later, AM died of a drug overdose, leaving Barker as the only survivor of the Learjet 60 crash.

Barker was not unscathed by the terrifying plane crash. He suffered serious burns, PTSD, and even had to learn to walk again. Despite the traumatizing events of that day, Barker has remained determined to fly again. “There’s a million things that could happen to me,” he told Men’s Health. “I could get in a car accident. I could get shot. Anything could happen. I could have a brain aneurysm and die. So why should I still be afraid of airplanes?”

Kardashian helps Barker fly again

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On Aug 14, Barker and Kardashian met Kris Jenner and Korey Gamble at Camarillo airport to board Kylie Jenner’s private jet bound for Cabo, San Lucas, Mexico. According to E! News, Kardashian has been working to help Barker achieve this goal for some time. “Kourtney was very supportive and helped him every step of the way,” E! reported. “She made him feel comfortable on Kylie‘s plane with pilots they know and the large size of the plane.”

Despite seeming “a little bit nervous” Barker was able to board the plane and landed in Mexico. He flew for the first time in 13 years. Barker expressed gratitude for Kardashian’s support, posting a picture of the pair at the airport with the captain, “With you anything is possible.” Hopefully from now on, flying will only get easier for Barker. Kardashian will certainly be there to help him along the way.

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