Tips for nervous flyers

How to settle your nerves and enjoy your flight experience

1st May 2024

tips for nervous flyers

Heading off on holiday is an exciting time, but for some the thought of getting on a plane is a nerve wracking experience, but rest assured, there are some tips to help settle your nerves.

It's also important to remember that a lot of people fear flying, and it's perfectly normal to have a few nerves, but sometimes too much anxiety can lead to a rather stressful travel experience.

So, take a deep breath and read on for our top tips for nervous flyers

1. Plan your journey to the airport, and allow extra time!

We know travelling to the airport can be stressful, especially if you're a nervous flyer, so make sure you plan your journey and allow extra time to avoid any further stress. Choose Aircoach to get you to Birmingham airport for a stress-free journey! We recommend you allow at least 2-3 hours before your travel time to get through security, and get all your bags checked in.

2. Tell the cabin crew

If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious whilst on the plane, it's best to let the cabin crew know that you're a nervous flyer. The crew will help make your journey as comfortable as possible by talking to you and giving you reassurance. Most cabin crew are trained to accommodate nervous flyers, so they'll have plenty of handy tips.

3. Stay hydrated

It's always best to make sure you have some water with you in case you start feeling anxious, as it can prevent you from hyperventilating, and also can provide some comfort.

4. Bring your comfort items

Bring items that provide comfort on the plane, whether that be an eye mask to help you sleep, or a neck pillow to help you relax whilst you're sat on the plane. Another good tip is to bring some headphones, and listen to some music, or download a movie or podcast - this will keep you distracted whilst you're in the air.

5. Understand why you're scared

Ask yourself, 'why am I scared?' Seems strange to face your fears, but once you sit with them and rationalise them, you may realise it's just common overthinking.

Realistically, the chances of something going wrong are extraordinarily slim, in fact airplanes are the safest form of transportation!

6. Practice breathing exercises 

Breathing exercises are great to learn as they can provide great comfort when you feel yourself getting overwhelmed. You can download apps on your phone that guide you through breathing exercises - helping you stay grounded and in the moment.

7. Extra leg room

To stay comfy and relaxed, try and opt for an aisle with extra leg room. When you feel snug, cosy and comfortable, you'll feel less anxious - more leg room will also prevent you feeling closed in.

8. Avoid alcohol or caffeine 

It may seem tempting to calm the nerves with a tipple or two, but this is the worst thing you could do if you're feeling anxious. It can make your anxiety skyrocket, so sticking to water is best if you're feeling nervous about flying.

9. Distract yourself

Whilst waiting in the airport, explore the shops, read a book, grab something nice to eat, or just have a chat with your travel companion. This is a great way to occupy your mind and avoid overthinking.

 

10. Know you're not alone

One in five of us have a fear of flying, but it doesn't have to be that way. There's plenty of podcasts and resources that offer advice from experts. Virgin Atlantic have some brilliant resources and course, see >> here

Now you've got some great tips to hand, the next step is to figure out your airport travel! Aircoach are on hand to get you from Leicester straight to Birmingham airport from just £9 one-way, and £18 return - taking the stress out of airport travel. We're friendly, reliable and direct, getting you to Birmingham airport in under an hour!

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