Hi there! If you’re like me we both share a terrible fear of flying. I’m talking about the type of fear that makes you Google “recent airline crashes” and “is [insert airline] safe?”. It’s the kind of fear that makes you think the plane is crashing when you hear loud sounds or feel a bump. Embarrassingly enough, it’s also the kind of fear when you’re the ONLY person on board yelling bloody murder when the plane goes through light turbulence, while everyone else acts like nothing happened (true story). From first hand experience, I can tell you it makes it extremely difficult to travel anywhere without experiencing high levels of fear, stress and anxiety during the entire travel process.
Despite my intense fear of flying I have managed ways to cope and deal with the impending doom of what is getting on an airplane time and time again. I can’t say I love it yet, but with the help of some handy advice from my therapist and knowledge, I have been able to reduce the amount of anxiety and fear I experience when I have to get on an airplane. I hope it can you help you overcome your fear too!
Tip #1: RESEARCH HOW PLANES WORK AND WHAT TURBULENCE IS
Turbulence is the bane of my existence. It makes me nervous and you will often find me clutching the seat in front of me to help ease the feeling. Something that has tremendously helped me reduce my fear of turbulence is researching what it is and why planes go through it. I found this neat article that explains what turbulence is and why we shouldn’t be afraid of it. It’s even written by a woman pilot (you go girl!). Once you do your research you will be assured to know turbulence is actually nothing to fear at all and it’s completely normal for planes to have it.
You can’t expect to go on a car ride and not feel bumps on road. It’s the same with airplanes. You can’t fly without feeling some turbulence (you are using air to fly afterall).
Planes are built to withstand worse things than the air hitting it. Air flow is what is allowing you to travel via airplane plane in the first place. So do your research and calm yourself down. The moment you feel turbulence, just be assured by the knowledge of knowing that nothing will happen to the aircraft and it’s perfectly normal, in fact it’s expected for there to be turbulence (you aren’t going to die).
Tip #2: SIT AT THE WING OF THE PLANE
I can’t tell you how many times my seat was randomly assigned for me and I had to sit at the very back of the plane where I had to withstand a bumpy ride. If I have the chance, I will always pick a seat at the wing of the plane. When you sit here, you will experience a “smoother” ride. Some will argue it’s the front of the plane, but I say otherwise. Personally, it calms me down to see the wings in action. Here’s a cool article explaining why the wing seats call for a smoother ride.
Tip #3: TRUST YOUR PILOT
A lot of times, knowing that we aren’t in control of the airplane raises our levels of fear/anxiety. But you have to remember, pilots go through hundreds of hours of flight training, certifications, protocols, pre-flight drug screenings and instruction to become commercial airline pilots. Basically, they know what they’re doing. So not unless you yourself are a trained airline pilot, TRUST YOUR PILOT. They know what they are doing and are trained on just about everything. They do this for a living and will do their best to ensure a safe and smooth flight.
Tip #4: PACK YOUR FAVORITE SNACKS
I once downed an entire tube of Pringles, airheads rainbow sour strips, a box of M&M’s and cookies during a 5 hour flight from Cancun to LAX (I’m not proud of this moment). I may have gone a little overboard that time but I do think there’s nothing wrong with packing your favorite snacks in flight to help ease your flight anxiety. Munching on your favorite snack will bring your body some comfort and more importantly, keep your mind distracted! This is something I always make sure I have with me before I go on any flight, long or short. Pack almonds, trail mix, chips or a chocolate bar..anything that will bring you comfort.
Tip #5: BRING YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT
I cannot stress this enough, there’s nothing worse than sitting on an airplane with nothing to do allowing your mind to be consumed with fearful thoughts. You have to stimulate your mind so that you can focus on something else other than that fear. I like to bring books, download a comedy movie on my phone, listen to podcasts or have some chill playlists ready to go for my flights. For those of you who take budget flights, you know in-flight entertainment so make sure to bring your own. I can’t say how many times this has helped me focus on something other than my flight anxiety.
Tip #6: RITUALS
This is something I learned from my therapist. Having some sort of ritual before or during your flight will help ease your flight anxiety. What I mean by rituals is something to ground you and make you feel secure on your flight. I’ll give you an example, a ritual can be touching the aircraft before you step on board. For me, it’s saying a small prayer and always bringing a necklace that my grandpa got for me. The necklace is blessed and it somehow makes me feel safe and ready to fly. Any kind of ritual that will help you. It can be anything such as; greeting the flight attendants, talking to the pilot, bringing your favorite blanket or listening to your favorite playlist. Rituals will allow your mind to feel at ease before your flight.
Tip #7: ESSENTIAL OILS
Another handy tip from my therapist. Before you board your flight pack some essential oils such as lavender oil, tea tree or eucalyptus. Essential oils will give your senses a trip down calm lane. You can try rubbing some on the temples of your head or just open it up and take a sniff when you’re feeling anxious mid flight.
Tip #8: FOCUS ON THE DESTINATION
When you’re feeling that nervous fear of flying, focus your mind on the destination. If you’re going to Mexico, think of all the yummy tacos you’ll be eating soon. If you’re going to Hawaii, focus on the amazing beaches you’ll be seeing very soon. Silence your fearful thoughts and focus on all the good things ahead on your travels I cannot tell you how many time this has helped me as I’ve sat through long bumpy flights.
That’s my list of 8 things to try on your next flight and I hope they help ease your flight fears/anxiety and allow you to have a great trip from start to finish 🙂