At 15, I went on my first flight to Disney. We experienced such extreme turbulence, that the flight attendants laid down in the isles and held onto the seats. I was terrified of flying after that. Slowly but surely, though, I've become better about flying, or have at least found ways to manage the panic and unease. Here are my suggestions:
1) Invest in noise canceling headphones - Just like scary movies; the sounds are a big part of what scares me. Once I put these on, I can rest more comfortably and not feel as though every noise is evidence of the engine failing.
2) Book your seat in the back of the plane - That's usually where the flight attendants sit, so they’ll be nearby if you need to ask them questions. It's also usually near the bathroom, in case your nerves get the best of you. If you foresee yourself getting up often, you can sit in the aisle seat, so you don't disturb those around you. It can be a bit noisy in the back, but if you have decent headphones, it shouldn't be a problem. Side note: seats in the middle usually experience less turbulence.
3) Be mindful of factors that trigger your travel anxiety. Yes, this is mostly common sense, but eating poorly, not getting enough sleep, and drinking alcohol excessively/dehydration will all make anxiety worse. It's important to remember this before and during your trip.
4) Research the mechanics and statistics of flying – Statistically, driving a car is way more dangerous than flying. Planes were built to be in the sky… (Repeat in your head 100 times!) Looking at stats helps put things into perspective. Knowledge is power! FlightAware shows you how many planes are in the air right now.
I'd highly recommend reading Cockpit Confidential by Patrick Smith, who was previously a pilot and answers passengers questions about flying.
5) Observe the flight attendants - Most of them will seem like ordinary people, like you, with friends and families… and reasons to live. Chances are, they wouldn't be risking their lives on a daily basis for a job that is crazy dangerous.
6) Have a drink before boarding - If your anxiety is manageable, sometimes one drink is just enough to make you sleepy or to take off the edge. But don't get drunk- that won't help!
7) Avoid caffeine as it can increase your nerves and make you feel anxious.
8) Turn on the air above your seat when you board and take a deep breath. If you easily feel claustrophobic like me, circulating air makes all the difference.
9) Close your eyes - "Out of sight, out of mind." Try not to look out the window when the plane is taking off or landing. Put on a movie or read a book and try to forget your surroundings.
10) Distract yourself - Read, watch a movie, draw, type, write, listen to music… anything that helps you feel more calm and relaxed.
How about you, do you have a fear of flying? If so, what is the scariest part for you? Do you have any tips? Comment below! Xx ASH
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