Many people face anxiety when it comes to air travel. Although, statistics have proven air travel to be one of the safest modes of travel, many people continue to be fearful fliers.
Pinpont Fears
Fearful fliers should try to pinpoint where their fear is coming from. Is the phobia due to a bad experience on a flight, a fear of heights, the news media’s coverage of a recent crash, or the idea of not being in control? No matter where the fear stems from; fearful fliers should try to pinpoint the reason for their fears, and then work on ways to overcome them.
Be Educated About Air Travel
Before booking a flight be informed and educated about air travel. Look up statistics on air safety, and compare those statistics to car collision records. Fearful fliers may be surprised to find that they are in more danger in a car then they are on an airplane.
Take Fearful Flier Classes
Fearful fleirs should sign up for a fearful flier class. In these classes trained professionals can help fearful fliers overcome their fears. Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offer fearful flier classes.
Expect Turbulance
Know what to expect on the flight. Many fearful fliers have a fear of turbulence. Turbulence is going to happen in the air. Think of driving on a road and running over a pothole. There are going to be potholes on any drive. This also holds true for flying in the air, light turbulence is routine and is to be expected.
Choose Seats Carefully
If the fearful fliers has a fear of heights don’t choose a window seat. Instead choose a seat on the isle and avoid looking out of the window after take off. Also keep in mind that passengers will feel more turbulence towards the back of the plane. Therefore, fearful fliers should book a seat closer towards the front of the plane.
Meet the Flight Crew
The day of the flight, if possible fearful fliers should introduce themselves to the crew. Flight attendants and pilots are accustomed to dealing with fearful fliers. Meeting the crew and hearing a few reassuring words will help to ease a fearful flier's anxiety.
Relax
Another key to overcoming fearful flier stress it to learn to relax. Flying with a traveling companion will help. If a traveling companion is not available try to make friends with a seat partner. Talking about hobbies, families, and jobs can make the fearful flier feel more comfortable.
Pack Distractions
In addition, fearful fliers should always pack a few must haves, to help divert their attention from being in the air.
- MP3 Player
- Audio book
- Novel
- Magazines
- Laptop
- DVD Player/movie
Bringing along these things will keep fearful fliers occupied and help ease their comfort level in the sky.
Most importantly fearful fliers should avoid excessive drinking, sedatives, and sleeping pills which could backfire and make things worse on the flight.
Learning to relax and being educated about air travel will help fearful fliers overcome their flying phobias. Apply this advice on short distance flights, and work up to flying longer distances. Follow these tips to overcome flying fears, one flight at a time.
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