Are you feeling anxious or nervous about flying? We….or at least I (Rachel) really relate. But it never stops me from traveling to far off places like China, Laos, or the United Kingdom. but I definitely have had to learn some tips and tricks on how to have a calmer flight experience.
So without further ado here are our top 7 tips to help you overcome your fear of flying:
Listening to Music or Watching a Movie to Help Distract You
Listening to music or watching a movie is an excellent way to take your mind off of your fear of flying. Make sure to pick something that really grips your attention, like a favorite music playlist of yours or your favorite movie. If you have a fear of flying, we would suggest investing in a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. When it comes to travel gear, noise cancelling headphones are very valuable because they can help you by drowning out all noise around you and giving you your own calm, peaceful space. Just close your eyes, put on your headphones, and get transported to a world outside of the airplane.
Put Yourself to Sleep
Sleeping is an excellent way to have the time fly by. Pack a neck pillow, fuzzy socks, a blanket, and/or some over-the-counter sleep medication to help make yourself as comfy as possible on the plane. Many people will also pack noise-cancelling headphones and an eye mask to drown out all sound and light.
Melatonin is a natural over-the-counter medication that is great for putting yourself to sleep or some other natural remedy you prefer. It can help you with getting through a flight and potentially deal with time change if you have a long flight! Also, they come in gummies! So keep that in mind
Remind Yourself You are Okay
When you are in the midst of a scary situation during a flight, like turbulence, logically remind yourself that the vast majority of the time that nothing is wrong. Use tactics like looking at the safety brochure in the pocket of the seat, talking to flight attendants, and familiarizing yourself with the layout of the plane to help you feel like you are in more control of your surroundings.
Rely On Your Friends and Family
If you are traveling with someone else, try to have a conversation with them about anything other than flying to help distract you from your fear. Even holding their hand can give you an extra sense of comfort as you are taking off and landing.
Even if you aren’t traveling with someone, striking up a conversation with a stranger is a great way to distract yourself (and is a good way to meet a new friend). I (Rachel) have no shame in holding Ben’s hand, my mom’s, a friends hand when turbulence gets bad…just don’t grab a strangers hand next to you…at least without permission.
Pick Your Seat Wisely
Are you someone who likes to know exactly what is happening outside the window when you’re flying, or are you someone who prefers not to know? Whatever the case may be, try to consider what seat in the row best matches your fear. We recommend booking your flight well ahead of time to make sure you can secure the exact seat that you like on a plan.
Relax Before Boarding
Relax yourself ahead of time in the airport. Have a glass of wine or some tea. Maybe have a full breakfast and a little orange juice. Give yourself a chance to chill out ahead of time so that you walk onto the plane as calm as you possibly can.
Talk to Your Doctor about Medication Options
Anxiety medication can really help if you are an anxious flier – at least it has more me. I will never recommend a drug to anyone everywhere but I will say if you are an anxious person or flier, talking to a doctor could really help (talk to your doctor if you really are anxious about it).
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