It’s easy to think that if you have a fear of flying, you should just work to get over it and stop complaining. It’s not nice to have a phobia while other people seem to be unaffected. But the truth is that many other people can be affected, even those who like flying might not like the take off or landing process and how it feels to go through it.
Moreover, it’s not entirely irrational to be worried about flying. After all, getting into a strange tubular contraption to fly many thousands of feet up in the air and covering hundreds of miles in a journey is pretty intense when you think about it. But the truth is that flight travel is statistically much safer than driving on the road. Each airplane has thousands upon thousands of safety checks and many points of failure priced into the design, for example, a plane can easily fly with only one engine, and even then they can slowly and gently descend if there’s an issue (which is exceedingly rare).
But of course, rational points like this aren’t entirely comforting when your mind is going haywire. Let’s consider some advice you can use (outside of help from your doctor to treat a wider anxiety issue) so you feel more at peace going forward:
Understand The Process
This is one of those situations where the more you learn about the plane and what’s happening, the safer you’ll feel. For example, the sudden noise and shaking during takeoff might feel alarming (and understandably so), but it’s just the engines working harder to get the plane into the air so you don’t have to worry. The slight dip after takeoff is normal too, as it happens when the aircraft adjusts to climb at the right angle. Even turbulence, while unpleasant to feel, is nothing more than bumps in the road from shifting air currents, and it’s actually nothing at all to worry about.
If you can, watching videos or reading about how planes work can help you rationalize what’s happening around you. Then you’ll see just how much thought and care goes into every trip, and of course, airlines wouldn’t be invested to the tune of billions if they thought there was even a slight likelihood of things going wrong. This can help you if you have a searching and worried mind.
Consider Travel With Someone
If you have a friend or family member who isn’t fazed by flying, it can help to book your trip with them. Anxiety tends to be much more present when you’re alone with your thoughts, but having someone to talk to or distract you can help a great amount.
Just let them know in advance that you’re a nervous flyer so they can offer reassurance if needed or hold your hand on takeoff. There’s no shame in it.
Consider Herbal Comforts
You might not have anti-anxiety medication, and that’s fine, so if you prefer natural ways to relax, herbal remedies have calming effects that can take the edge off flying. Chamomile and valerian root are great, as they’re known for promoting relaxation, and lavender oil can be soothing when applied to pulse points or added to a handkerchief to inhale during the flight.
They might even help you get some rest to sleep through the whole thing. Just make certain you consult with your doctor before taking any supplements and don’t take this advice as direct medical suggestion.
Have Luggage Storage & Accommodation Ready
Now, travel stress doesn’t start and end with the flight itself, especially if you have a big trip, you might be projecting that stress onto the flight itself. Worrying about luggage storage, accommodation, or getting around in a new place can add to your anxiety, especially if you feel rushed or unprepared like you have a whirlwind waiting for you when the trip is over.
Booking a hotel near the airport or arranging for a car in advance can remove some of that stress. If you have a long layover or need a place to leave your bags before check-in, look for luggage storage san diego services at the airport or in the city, because many major destinations have secure luggage lockers or storage companies that can hold your bags for a few hours, and that in itself is worthwhile, knowing you can rebalance yourself without effort as you arrive.
With this advice, we hope you can more readily avoid travel anxiety that becomes so common for so many people, even as flights are increasingly safe.
