While flying is the safest mode of transport, flight phobia is still a common challenge for many travelers. If you hate flying just by the thought of how fatal the rare accidents are, below are 30 tips to overcoming the fear of flying.
1. Know what to expect
Before the flight, learn how planes work and how it can fly for long even after the engine fails. This helps you reduce the fear of thinking about what will happen in case of an engine malfunction.
2. Before a flight, familiarize with your plane
Know how your plane looks like before your trip. You will find it less scary when its time for your flight.
3. Opt for an aisle seat
When booking your flight, go for the aisle seat, especially if you have claustrophobia. This is because you can stand up and move around easily. You will also avoid looking out through the window.
4. Think positive
Having negative thoughts before or during the flight, such as what would happen if the airplane crashes, will make you more anxious. Focus on positive things, such as the things that you will do at your destination.
5. Arrive at the airport early
Do not rush the last minute to avoid missing your flight, as this will add more anxiety to you.
6. Find out what triggers your fear
After you know what makes you afraid of flights, it will be easy to manage it.
7. Be confident
Just know the plane is in perfect condition since experts check it after it lands and before taking off.
8. Separate fear from danger
It is hard to separate fear from anxiety because our bodies react the same to both. Label your fear as anxiety and know you are not in danger even when feeling intense anxiety.
9. During long hauls, opt for larger airplanes
When you are going for a long flight, opt for bigger planes. This is because, in large planes, you will feel fewer turbulence and bumps.
10. Choose a seat that is over the wings
Go for a seat over the wings if you fear turbulence because that is the area of the plane that experiences the least bumps after encountering turbulence.
11. Be aware of turbulence
Try to understand turbulence as they are caused by a change in the climate, such as a sudden change in global temperature, and they cause the plane to jump.
12. Opt for non-stop flights
Since most fear occurs during taking off and landing of the plane, go for direct flights.
13. Look at the flight attendants
Flight attendants do not have flight anxiety anymore. So even is the worst climate with worse and frequent turbulence, they remain calm, giving you surety that there is no danger.
14. Ask for help
Do not shy off from asking for advice and help from the flight attendants in case you are more anxious.
15. Value all your flights
If possible, take frequent flights as this will help you overcome the flight anxiety
16. Learn more about the plane
Learn how planes are designed to withstand turbulence and focus on managing the fear rather than looking forward to when the turbulence will end.
17. Breathe, relax and meditate
Take a deep breath, relax, and meditate, and you will naturally calm down and overcome flight anxiety.
18. Lower anxiety
Avoid stimulants such as energy drinks and caffeine, 72 hours before your flight as they make you more nervous.
19. Stay distracted
Do not allow yourself to have negative thoughts. Once on the plane, you can listen to music, read a book, or chat with the passenger next to you and you will be less anxious.
20. Stick to one airline
Since you have experience with that airline, you will build more trust with them and feel more comfortable with their flights.
21. Avoid plane crash stories
When preparing for the flight, avoid reading or watching news about a plane crashed as this will put more fear to you.
22. Share your fear
Open up to the person seated next to you about your fear of flying. Sharing your worries helps in reducing stress.
23. Do not panic
When the plane is taking off, landing, or comes across the worst turbulence, stay calm and do not panic. Panicking will make you more anxious as you will think you are in danger.
24. Trust the pilots
Learn to trust the pilots since no one would hire unqualified pilots. Some have very experienced, so sit back relax.
25. Avoid airlines with poor safety reviews
Choose airlines with positive safety reviews as you will not worry much about your safety. You will be at ease during the flight.
26. Avoid night flights
For those who love seeing what is surrounding the plane, avoid night flights if it is possible.
27. Use flight phobia Apps
If you tried all anxiety management tips, and still you anxious, use an app that provides information on how to reduce anxiety and stress during flight.
28. Talk to a professional
A professional counselor can help you know the root of your fear of flying and how to deal with it.
29. Avoid alcohol
Alcohol will make you dehydrated in the humid temperatures of the plane. If you cannot avoid it, then take lost of water.
30. Take medication
Pills like Tranquilizers will calm you down but not treat the cause of the anxiety.
