How Passengers Can Deal With Their Fear of Flying
If you have a fear of flying but now have been tasked by your company to travel on business, you don’t want to jeopardize your position because of the problems this anxiety can cause. It’s worth noting that approximately 20 percent of people are afraid to travel by air, according to a recent post at Road Warrior Voices that highlighted statistics from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Even if you don’t completely get over your fears, there are steps you can take to alleviate your anxiety about airplane trips.
Open Up
Don’t be ashamed to admit you are afraid to fly. Tell a member of the cabin crew about your situation. He or she will try to make you more comfortable, such as by checking in with you if the plane hits some turbulence.
Seat Choices Matter
Road Warrior Voices recommends trying to get an aisle seat because it makes it easier to lean out and minimize any feelings of claustrophobia. Any passenger who is frightened by turbulence should look for a seat that’s closer to the front of the aircraft or even directly on the wing, as these locations tend to bounce around less than the rest of the plane.
Pay Attention to Safety Instructions
Rather than scaring you more, the safety rules lecture should make you feel more secure.
When a flight attendant tells you to count the number of seats between you and the nearest exits, follow these instructions. It will give you the confidence you need that you’ll be able to evacuate the plane in the event of an emergency.
Avoid Stimulants
Excessive caffeine can make you jittery and increase your sense of nervousness. Go for decaffeinated tea or coffee. Remember that many soft drinks contain caffeine as well, so check the ingredients label if you’re not certain about the content.
Refrain from Consuming Bad News
Dealing with your fear of flying will be more difficult if you consume media that provokes anxiety about air travel.
Stay away from reports about airplane disasters and discussions of black boxes and search efforts for victims. They will just stir up more unpleasant feelings.
Use Entertainment to Soothe and Distract
Your laptop, tablet computer or smartphone are excellent carryon items to help you stay distracted during the flight. Make a playlist of music that will make you feel happy, calm and comfortable.
Catch up on your favorite TV shows or watch an engrossing movie to help you keep your mind off of the airplane. This will soothe you and can help relieve some anxiety.
Determine What Scares You the Most
Do you become anxious onboard airplanes because you suffer from claustrophobia? Perhaps it’s the turbulence that bothers you, and the rest of the flight is a piece of cake. Maybe you simply don’t like the feeling of being out of control because you’re locked in a metal tube and must trust the pilot and the rest of the crew with your safety. Some people are afraid to fly because of terrorist concerns.
Whatever hits your buttons the most, it’s good to be aware of the triggers, because then you will have an easier time coming up with ways to deal with them.
At KEE Limousine, we go the extra mile to ensure that each of our customers feels comfortable and safe as we take them to and from the airport and other locations where punctuality is of paramount importance. Our dispatchers and expert chauffeurs monitor events around local airports and create contingency plans so you will always be on time while arriving in luxury and style. If you have a fear of flying, we hope these tips will give you some relief and make your next flight more enjoyable.
