Looking for tips to get over a fear of flying? Travel anxiety when flying can come in many different forms – and just the thought of turbulence can cause sweaty palms.

So what does the anxiety of flying look like and what are some ways to overcome flying fears?

Mark, from Postcard Travel Insurance, gives us Travel Tip Tuesday #19 – How to overcome a fear of flying. You can find out all about Mark at the bottom of this post.

 

What does a fear of flying mean?

As everyone knows, traveling has the potential to be a truly life-changing experience.

It broadens the mind, exposes you to new cultures and ways of seeing the world, and allows you to discover yourself anew – without the everyday pressures of life back home weighing you down. 

But traveling can also be a source of major anxiety.

Leaving the comfort and security of the life you’re familiar with for unknown adventures new can be a nerve-wracking prospect. 

The common stages of culture shock is another form of travel anxiety.

Are you one of those people that always worries about travel in the air?

Well, you’re not alone!

 

Flying and fear of flying are some of the most common travel concerns

These travel worries are very common, and they’re a range of strategies you can use to deal with them.

Read on to find out more about coming to grips with your airline travel fears.

From airport hassles and flight cancellations to actual fears of the journey itself, the list of things you could be worried about in the sky is pretty extensive.

What you need to do, though, is put your worries in perspective and start to relax during air travel.

Holidays are all about relaxation and fun after all!

So, here are some of the best ways you can handle those travel jitters when flying.

 

Tips on dealing with a fear of flying

Worries about airport delays, flight cancellations, crowds of holidaymakers, and missing flights are all too common.

Around 21% of people stating they have concerns about delays or flight cancellations, in fact.

Other people may simply be stressed about the logistics of flying, particularly if they have kids in tow.

But there are solutions you can put in place to deal with these concerns. These include:

1. Booking early morning flights wherever possible, as these are often less crowded, and flights are less stressful. What’s more, you’ll arrive at nearby destinations bright and early, too, so you can start enjoying your holiday from day one!
2. If you do worry about missing your flight, airport transfers could be the solution you need. With a pre-booked transfer in place, all you need to worry about is whether or not you hear the doorbell when your driver arrives, and many providers keep tabs on flights before and during all journeys to ensure there’s no chance of missing your departure.
3. One of the best ways to avoid anxiety at the airport is to ensure you arrive in plenty of time. If you get to the airport three hours or more before your due departure, then you’ve got plenty of time to relax and deal with anxieties. Booking into an airport hotel the night before, or reserving a place in the airport VIP lounge, is another way to handle the worry of airport transit and departures. 
4. Despite all your best efforts, airline delays and cancellations do sometimes happen. You’re entitled to a variety of compensations from providers if this is the case. 

 

Fear of flying can cause real distress before, during, and after flights

If you’re worried about the actual flight, herbal remedies could be one possible solution.

St John’s Wort and Skullcap are popular with some nervous travelers.

Handling your fear during flights can also be easier if you use recognized breathing techniques.

 

How to relax in turbulence on a flight

The following tips may be all that’s needed to stay calm and relaxed during any turbulence:

1. As soon as anxiety levels start to rise, shut your eyes and focus all your attention on slowing down your breathing.
2. Every time you take a deep breath count to three before expelling the air.
3. Increase this to a count of five, for at least two minutes. And you should find your breathing has slowed, and panic levels start to reduce.
4. Then simply listen to some silly music, watch a comic clip or two on your smart device, and do your best to inject as much humor as possible into the situation. It really does work!

No matter what your travel anxiety relates to, there’s sure to be a recognized way round the issue.

 

Conclusion of reducing flight anxiety levels

Talking to friends and family members can be really helpful, and maybe the simple solution you need for your worries.

If you do think severe anxiety is causing you a real problem, though, seeking professional support could be the way forward.

Along with these flight tips and herbal remedies for flying anxiety – hopefully your next flight is a smooth and comfortable journey!

 

Travel Tip Tuesday 19 – Tips on relaxing during a flight

This post was created by Mark from Postcard Travel Insurance about reducing flight anxiety tips and is the 19th installment of the Tuesday Travel Tip Series.

Make sure you check out the other fantastic tips from travelers around the world, or check out these related posts:

 

Happy and safe travels,

Thanks for reading!

Ben – Horizon Unknown