We all love traveling and seeing new places, but there's one part of travel that many of us don't love: flying. For some, flying is simply a hassle, thanks to high fares, airport delays and lost luggage. But for other travelers, flying is more than inconvenient; it's terrifying.
Fear of flying can be caused by a number of factors, including claustrophobia or a fear of heights. Many fearful fliers feel an irrational anxiety that their plane will malfunction and crash, no matter how many times they hear the statistics about how safe flying is compared to driving. Other travelers worry about terrorist hijackings or panic at the idea that they're not in control of the aircraft that's carrying them.
No matter why you're afraid of flying, there are certain steps you can take to help alleviate your fears. Whether or not to fly is a personal decision, and one that we can't make for you. But for those of you who are determined not to let this change your way of life, we offer a few tips on how to overcome fear of flying.
1. Know what to expect. For many fearful fliers, learning the basics of how airplanes work can go a long way toward alleviating their anxiety. For instance, understanding how a plane can continue to fly even if an engine fails can help you feel less concerned about your aircraft malfunctioning. GuidetoPsychology.com offers an easy-to-understand explanation of how planes stay in the air, what causes turbulence, and what's behind those scary sounds during takeoff and landing.
2. Familiarize yourself with your plane. Getting to know what your plane looks like can make it seem a little less scary. We once knew a fearful flier who actually put a picture of the plane's cabin on her computer's desktop; by the time her flight rolled around, the image was familiar, not scary.
3. Choose an aisle seat. Most airlines and booking engines allow you to request a seat assignment when you book your flight. Request an aisle seat, particularly if you're prone to claustrophobia; you'll feel less hemmed in by other people, and you'll be able to get up and move around the cabin more easily. This also makes it easier to avoid looking out the window if those sky-high views make you nervous. (For more information on nabbing the seat you want, see Get the Best Airplane Seat.)
4. Monitor your media intake. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning: Avoid airplane disaster movies, news coverage of plane crashes or other scary media images. Remember that the vast majority of flights arrive safely, but only the problem flights make the news. Don't let that skew your impressions of flying.
5. Think positive. In the days leading up to your flight, it's easy to let the anxiety build. Instead, try to focus on more positive things -- like all the fun things you'll do once you reach your destination.
10 Simple Tips for a Smoother Trip
1. Don't rush. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport before your flight is scheduled to depart. Racing to the gate and worrying about missing your plane will only add to your anxiety.
2. Wait for your flight in an airline lounge. Most airlines have private airport lounges that are quiet, luxurious oases away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the airport. While they're usually reserved for club members or elite fliers, you can often purchase a day pass for about $50 -- which may be a small price to pay for a soothing place to relax and prepare for your flight.
1. Meet the crew. If there's time before your flight, ask to meet the pilot of your plane. Alternatively, spend some time chatting with a flight attendant. Often, meeting the folks who hold your safety in their hands can make the plane seem like a friendlier environment and reassure you that that crew is knowledgeable and competent.
2. Tune in. Bring an MP3 player, phone or tablet stocked with soothing music to help get you into a peaceful frame of mind.
3. Remind yourself who's in charge. Many fearful fliers are bothered by their perceived lack of control since they have no influence over the safety or performance of the aircraft. Try to regain a little control by reminding yourself that you made the decision to fly, and that you can decide how you respond to the experience.
What Not to Do at the Airport
4. Breathe. As anxiety increases, your breathing may get shallow -- but deep breathing is an instant stress reliever. Breathe slowly and deeply for a count of 5 or 10.
5. Read or watch something fun. Pack a magazine or a good book to take your mind off what's happening. Order up a comedy on your plane's in-flight entertainment system, or pre-load a few of your favorite flicks onto your laptop.
6. Have a drink. Many frightened fliers turn to alcohol to calm their nerves. While this is fine in moderation, keep in mind that alcohol should not be combined with anti-anxiety medications. Also, alcohol can contribute to dehydration, particularly in the arid environment of an airplane; if you do treat yourself to a cocktail, be sure to follow it up with plenty of water.
7. Avoid caffeine. This and other stimulants can make you even more jittery.
8. Go with the flow. Turn on the air vents above your head as soon as you board; the flow of air will help you feel less claustrophobic.
Five Ways to Beat Pre-Trip Panic
1. Pop a pill. If your fear is particularly debilitating and you've tried other relaxation techniques without success, ask your doctor if it may be worth taking an anti-anxiety medication or a sleeping pill before you fly.
2. Contact a professional. A licensed therapist or counselor can help you figure out the root causes of your fear and how to overcome them.
3. Go online. There are a number of special programs and websites that offer help for fearful fliers. Here are a few to try:
SOAR offers free tips, newsletters, chats and videos, as well as more comprehensive counseling and programs for a fee.
Anxieties.com offers a free online self-help program for those who want to overcome their fears of flying.
GuidetoPsychology.com is a comprehensive site with information about how airplanes work and tips for overcoming your fear of flying.
FearofFlyingSchool.com has a lengthy guide to help you prevent panic attacks, change your way of thinking about flying and more.
SereneFlyer.com is a simple and accessible site that talks nervous travelers through how flying works and what you're hearing and experiencing during each stage of a flight.
