12 Tips to overcome your Flight Phobia

By traveldecorum | Flight Phobia

With a social media overload these days, it is impossible to avoid those vacation pictures and quotes. Everyone in my circle either seems to be on a vacation or heading for a holiday or dreaming of it, quite literally. Travelling is actually one of the best things for your soul but what if you are scared of flying? Smaller holidays to nearby locations tend to get boring and monotonous after a while. And travelling to a far away land has its own sweet charm. What if I could say that there are proven ways to help clear this roadblock between you and a stress free vacation?

You are not the only one with a flight phobia. The anxiety of flying has been studied for some time now. Researchers have noticed that certain things and methods can help you get over that intense fear or anxiety associated with an approaching flight to take. Here are 12 smart tips that could help you overcome your fear of flying effectively.

Sleep well before the Flight

Do not rush your schedule and keep it simple! You should sleep well a night before the flight. Try to take the flight at a convenient time so that your mind is relaxed and well prepared for the flight fear you might experience. Sleeping well really helps in calming down nerves and coping with anticipated stress.

Plan a Relaxed Day 1 Itinerary

Do not make all major plans on day 1 of the vacation. Keep the first day easy so that you don’t have the fear to catch up soon after the flight. Often rushed plans for the first day contribute to the in-flight anxiety and stress. Even if the first day you just relax and get your routine back to normal, it is absolutely fine.

Learn and Educate yourself about Safety

If you have any fear of flight related safety and how it actually works, READ up! Don’t assume any fact or figure is true because fear tends to mess with our mind. Educating oneself about the safety measure and how flights can handle turbulences is very important. There is plenty of material available online or in the in-flight brochures and magazines. Airplanes are tested and made to handle turbulences and safely fly the passengers. There are latest technologies ensure maximum safety standards so don’t worry!

See a Therapist

There is no harm in seeing a therapist if your flight phobia is severe. An experienced professional may help guide you much better than anyone else can. They have many exercises and breathing techniques that could make your flight experience more tolerable for you. They will understand your issue and prepare you accordingly.

Choose a Good Seat

Just like all modes of transport; a good seat might be the answer to your problem. Choose your comfort over anything else. If you like the aisle seat or window seat in particular, book it beforehand. All major airlines give you an option to book your seat during check in or through an online booking. Also a seat in the front of the plane is calmer and better during turbulence. So that might help you and your nerves in-flight.

Upgrade your Seat

Book a class higher or upgrade your travel class when you reach the airport. Premium economy and business classes have more comfortable seating. Often for a long haul flight, it is much easier to doze off in the luxury offered. They customize the menu to your requirement and provide pillows and blankets to help that coveted sleep. Giving importance to your comfort helps a lot in tackling flight anxiety and jitters.

Medication

Some doctors prescribe certain pills that could ease your mind and make the flight a pleasant experience. But consult a specialist before you take any medication. Do not self prescribe anything or take a friends advice on this. Medication is always to be taken only on prescription and according to your level of stress.

Do it for the Experience

Till the time you do not experience the journey, you will not know exactly what makes you fearful. Take the flight and try to understand what can help you be more at ease and comfortable. Start with a smaller flight time to build and boost confidence. Doing it makes the fear of the unknown go away. As they say, if you never try you will never know!

Value your Ability

After every flight that you take, applaud your will and patience to sit through that flight. This will help you with positive reaffirmation and you will surely book the next flight soon. It could be as simple as a good meal or a shopping spree. If it helps you cope with your flight phobia, it is worth it!

Choose a Good Airline

Good airlines offer a variety of in-flight services to keep you occupied. There are latest entertainment options, very comfortable seats and amazing food. They also have an extremely warm and helpful staff to help you out in any need. Booking your travel experience with a good airline is the best way to ensure your safety and have a lovely experience too.

Breathe

Breathing techniques help a lot with stressful situations. During a flight if you feel anxious, stop and do deep breathing. It will definitely calm you down and make you overcome the fear of flying.

Have a Drink

With great on board services, indulging in a glass of wine or a beer also helps some people ease out. Alcohol numbs fear slightly and can help minor anxiety. However going overboard with it will make you panic more. Have a glass and try to catch up on some sleep.

These are some smart tips to help you overcome the fear of flying. Travelling is an enriching experience and if you can get over your fear, the world is your playground!

Tagged: flight phobia , Overcome a Fear of Flying , fear of flying, Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Flying