5 Useful Tips for When You’re Afraid to Fly

The dream trip that you’ve been looking for is FINALLY here. There’s just one teensy problem. YOU DON’T LIKE FLYING!!!! Well unless you’re going to drive to Australia from Japan, it’s time for you to read this post. Here are a few tips to help take the edge off of your flying experience.

 

1. Tell the Crew

If flying is not your thing, then help yourself by informing the crew upfront. Let your flight attendant know ahead of time that you’re a nervous flyer, and that you’d appreciate any assistance they could give you during the flight. Sometimes you can even ask to speak with the pilots during boarding if they aren’t busy. Pilots read weather patterns and all sorts of data that give them the heads up on when to expect turbulence. If you know what’s expected ahead of time, it can be easier to control your anxiety. Believe me, the flight crew WANTS to help you – no panic attacks on our watch!

2. Enjoy a drink

If you are of age, it might not hurt to enjoy an adult cocktail before or during your flight. It may help you relax and sleep through the flight. Be careful not to overdo it or you may not even make it on the flight to begin with! One or 2 drinks should suffice.

3. Take a chill pill/Use Relaxation Techniques

I’m no doctor but I do know that there are plenty of relaxation or sleeping pills that can help you relax a bit more when you’re flying. Speak with your health professional before taking one, and never mix it with alcohol or your trip might not end well. You can also google or use some of these relaxation techniques; and bring activities to occupy your time and your mind like movies and games.

4. Sit in the front

If turbulence is not your thing, you should choose a seat towards the front of the cabin. Turbulence is always stronger the further back you go (personally, that’s why I love sitting back there). So, unless you want to feel like you’re riding broncos all flight, go ahead and choose that first available seat. If feeling trapped isn’t an issue, choosing a window seat will allow you to have a bit more control when having that window open or closed.

5. Trust

Above all, the number one thing that gives me peace of mind is trust. I trust the safety statistics of the airplanes. I trust the pilots and the flight attendants and their training. And above all, I trust God. These may not work for everyone, and if that’s the case please refer back to tips 1-4; but this is what works for me – I hope it helps!

For an in depth look at overcoming your fears of flying, visit the Fear of Flying Website – a pilot operated website that offers free courses on why you’re afraid of flying and how to overcome it. What are some techniques that work for you? Leave a comment below, let’s chat and as always, FLY SAFE!