Nearly a quarter of people are afraid of flying. Indeed, it can be daunting for many when they see or think about such a massive machine taking off from the ground and then traveling thousands of kilometers at an altitude of 10 km. Obviously, this fear needs to be overcome primarily in the mind, but I’ll try to give some tips on what we can do to combat the fear of flying!
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What is the psychological background?
According to a study, most people cite turbulence, engine failure, and collision as the reasons for their fear of flying. These are factors about which we generally know very little (we can safely say that the fear of the unknown dominates).
Clearly, with proper preparation, this sense of fear can be reduced. Let’s do something about it; otherwise, this discomfort will always remain. The following advice is for this purpose!
Advice against the fear of flying
Get to know the process of flying!
Many people start to stress when they are still traveling to the airport.
If we are already aware of what happens from the days before the flight until arriving at the destination, we remove an unnecessary burden from our shoulders.
Learn how an airplane works!
I know physics doesn’t solve the dissolution of fear, but it’s worth mentioning this aspect too.
Did you know, for example, that an airplane can stay in the air for more than 100 km (glide) if the engine fails? This is already a point that, in the case of a minor problem, does not mean the worst scenario.
It’s good to have a companion for your first flight
Needless to say, it’s much easier if we have help during the journey.
And if we travel with someone who has already flown, we are halfway there! Feel free to share your feelings with them, it’s good to express our fear!
Be positive even in the days before the flight!
Preparation is always important, in this case, it’s worth filling ourselves with positive thoughts days before the flight.
Of course, this happens differently for everyone. It may be enough to think about how nice it will be to sunbathe on the beach after arriving or to explore our favorite city.
Whatever it is, just focus on good things!
Trust the pilots!
The training of pilots is one of the toughest professional trainings in the world, where strict requirements must be met. And this is constantly checked, even for the most experienced pilots.
Therefore, trust the pilots confidently, they have been prepared for even the worst situations!
Turbulence is a harmless part of flying
There will surely be a flight during your travels when the plane will „jolt” you. This is caused by sudden changes in flow around the plane.
Of course, it can be quite strong, but don’t be scared, it’s a common and natural phenomenon.
According to a BA captain, „all turbulence is absolutely safe because the airplane is built to withstand even the harshest turbulence”.
I’ve only had one serious „turbulent” flight, when I flew from Miami to London. There were quite severe shakes near the British coasts, but after a few minutes, it was as if nothing had happened. So the point is: no worries, it’s natural! 😊
Talk to someone who has already traveled!
Everyone has someone in their environment who has flown several times or is considered an experienced „flier”. Well, feel free to reach out to them, I think every such traveler likes to talk about flying. (Yes, me too!)
Ask about their experience, opinion, the positive thoughts will have a good effect on us too!
Comfortable clothing suitable for flying can also help
Perhaps the most important thing is that it’s quite cool on the plane. Therefore, prepare with at least one sweater even in the summer heat. It’s an unpleasant feeling when you sit in the cold for hours, it only increases anxiety.
There’s no fashion competition on board! Dress casually, as if you were at home, this will also make the flight more pleasant.
Bring comfort items with you that help you relax. Such as a neck pillow, which makes it easy to fall asleep. (Especially on low-cost airlines, the seats are not exactly „sleep-friendly”.)
Don’t sit by the window!
When I first got on a plane and it took off, sitting by the window made me feel a bit queasy.
Therefore, don’t choose a seat by the window, as looking out the window can easily bring on an anxious feeling. Plus, it’s easier to move around in aisle seats.
Keep yourself occupied on board!
Bring a book, music, study material, anything that occupies your attention. This helps us not to focus on the flight and to switch off a bit during the trip.
Preferably don’t take sedatives or drink alcohol!
Don’t immediately resort to medication or alcohol!
First, try to follow the above advice. If, sitting on the plane, we still feel uncomfortable, we can take a mild sedative.
However, alcohol is not recommended in any case! Because the humidity is very low on board, proper fluid intake is very important (preferably water). However, alcohol has a diuretic effect, so we just „dry out” our bodies even more.