For many people, boarding an airplane can induce fear and anxiety. These feelings may remain until they disembark at their destination.
It’s perfectly normal, and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, there are some things you can do to cope with these emotions.
Today, we’re sharing tips to stay calm for people who hate flying.
HOT TIP
Don’t add to the stress of flying and be sure to read A Ranking of the Most Stressful Airports in the World before taking off on your next flight!
What Is the Fear of Flying?
Roughly 40% of Americans battle “aviophobia,” or the fear of flying. Furthermore, 5% of individuals have such an intense fear that it prevents them from boarding a plane. They may fear crashing, turbulence, heights, claustrophobia, or being out of control.
For some, the fear of flying can hinder personal or professional opportunities. Planes allow you to travel across the country in a few hours instead of driving for days. A healthy understanding of the safety statistics can help manage and conquer this fear.
Is Flying Safe?
Flying, especially commercially, is one of the safest transportation methods available. Advancements in technology have led to decreased accident rates over the last several decades. According to AirAdvisor, out of the 32.2 million flights, only five resulted in fatal accidents. Doing the math, 0.000016% of flights have a catastrophic outcome.
Modern airplanes have multiple layers of safety features. In addition, pilots undergo extensive training to handle various situations. Flying is generally safe with rigorous maintenance checks and strict regulations on the industry. Do accidents happen? Absolutely. However, the odds are remarkably low despite the inherent risk.
Tips to Stay Staying Calm For Those Who Hate Flying
As mentioned, a fear of flying is much more common than most people think. Learning to stay calm during these situations is essential. Here are several tips to help you or anyone who hates flying.
Understand the Facts
For some people, understanding the facts regarding safety can provide assurance of safety. If this is you, take the time to research aviation statistics, and the odds of an accident can ease your worries. The National Safety Council is a wealth of knowledge on the topic and has many fantastic resources.
Additionally, individuals often benefit from understanding the science behind flying. NASA has detailed explanations and images to illustrate the science. Education can help people to remain calm in these tense situations.
Choose the Right Seat
If you hate flying, choosing the right seat can help you to deal with the emotions. A seat over the wings is one of the best options, as they tend to experience the least turbulence. Another great option is to sit towards the front of the aircraft, which is quieter and can offer a smoother ride. Unfortunately, sitting towards the back can be a terrible experience as it’s loud and bouncier.
Some passengers with a fear of flying choose aisle seats. These are excellent options, as you can walk about the cabin to stretch your legs when necessary. Additionally, a window seat can be a great option as it reduces the sense of claustrophobia and can be a distraction.
Distract Yourself
Another great way to stay calm during a flight if you hate flying is to distract yourself. Bring a book, tablet, or cell phone with you. Be sure to download games, music, or TV shows and movies in advance. These can help you pass the time and keep your attention off things that may increase your anxiety levels. Noise-canceling headphones are also worth considering.
When it’s natural to do so, striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you can be an incredible distraction. You may discover you have shared experiences, hobbies, or something in common that can help you pass the time and distract you.
Practice Deep Breathing
If you struggle with anxiety while flying, you may want to try relaxation techniques to distract you from the situation. Breathing exercises, meditation apps, and soothing music can help to reduce stress and anxiety throughout the flight.
To do this, get as comfortable as possible in your seat and close your eyes. Take a deep and slow breath through your nose and count to four. Let the air fill your lungs and sit there for a second or two. Slowly exhale through your mouth to release the tension. Repeat the process until you start to notice it calming your nerves.
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated while flying. Dehydration can increase the feelings of discomfort and anxiety. Bring a reusable water bottle and find a spot to fill it before boarding your flight. Take sips throughout the flight to stay hydrated. If you wait until you’re thirsty to start drinking, it’ll be too late.
Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. These accelerate dehydration and cause increased levels of anxiety. If you do not like basic water, herbal teas, and non-caffeinated beverages will be best.
Use Medication or Natural Remedies
If you experience intense anxiety, medicine and natural remedies may be best. If you’re not aware, we’re not medical professionals. As a result, we encourage you to chat with your doctor to go this route. While these can effectively alleviate anxiety, they can have side effects.
Natural remedies like essential oils and herbal supplements can be effective. Discovering which combination works best for you may take time or several flights.
Travel With a Supportive Companion
Having a supportive companion can be extremely helpful, whether it’s a friend, family member, or another person you trust. They can offer reassurance, hold your hand, and engage in conversation to distract you from the situation.
These companions can help make the entire flight experience as smooth as possible. You’ll have someone there to help with handling luggage, getting checked in, navigating security, and finding the gate to board your plane.
Stay Calm and Travel On
If you have an intense fear of flying, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s perfectly normal to have these emotions in these situations. Luckily, you can conquer this fear and travel the world by plane. Unfortunately, it can take multiple trips to discover which techniques work best for you and your emotions. So, get out there, start flying, and try these tips to stay calm.
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