The statistics prove that planes are the safest form of transport but that doesn’t stop thousands of fliers getting pre-travel nerves. For many, air travel is a stressful experience whether your flight is a long one or a short hope from once city to the next, and it can often become difficult to shake the anxiety. There are a number of ways to calm air travel nerves that don’t require an expensive trip to the airport bar, so keep reading for some top tips and advice for calming down before the flight.
• Don’t pore over the stats. It may be tempting to check all the evidence that backs up the safety of air travel but don’t become obsessed with the details. Trying to find out if you have more chance of winning the lottery than coming into trouble on a flight might seem like a way to calm your nerves, but you’re more likely to put your focus on the one that’s in a one in a million chance. The planes would not leave the ground if it wasn’t as safe as it could possibly be.
• Get to the airport early. Many nervous fliers find that they can reduce air travel stress by arriving at the airport well before the recommended time. Giving yourself plenty of time before your flight allows you to watch the airport going about its daily routine and get acclimatised to the procedures. Seeing everyone go through the normal motions is a reassuring reminder that there are planes taking off and landing safely every minute across the world.
• Be honest. Don’t keep your nerves bottled up, confide in someone else before you leave or even speak to your seatmate when you’re on the plane. If you let a friend know that you are anxious they can help reassure you when you’re feeling on edge. Contact a member of staff on the plane if you’re upset and they can be there to answer any questions you might have about noises and bumps. The air stewards go through the process every day, watching them work the routine should help you realise that there is nothing to worry about.
• Think about something more long-term. If you are really struggling with air travel nerves and have a long flight on the horizon, consider some long-term actions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and phobia courses have helped thousands of anxious travellers get over their fears of flying and embrace the form of transport. It is seriously worth considering if you don’t want your fear of flying to affect your future travel plans.
So, whether you’ve got a long haul flight to Melbourne, or from London, or New York, the hours you’ll be in the sky may seem daunting for a nervous flier. With time and experience there are many ways to reduce air travel stress. Flights leave every day from the major and minor aiports all over the world, so try to think about the normality and routine of the experience and just relax.
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