OVERCOMING AVIOPHOBIA
Photo by Jerry Zhang on Unsplash
Does your fear of flying prevent you from travelling the world? Don’t limit yourself to the car-accessible destinations; we’ve got 10 steps to overcome your flight anxiety and become the explorer you’ve always wanted to be.
1. Identify your Fear
First of all, try to understand your fear. Is it flying itself? Takeoff? Landing? Turbulence? Not being in control? Being in a closed environment?
2. Inform Yourself to Find Reassurance
Once you’ve identified the source of your discomfort, try to rationalize it by deepening your knowledge on the subject. Learn about aeronautics. Look at statistics on incidents. Find out about the hours of training pilots need to cumulate to get their licence.
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3. Pick a Nearby Destination
One step at the time. Start with a short flight, without connections.
4. Choose Your Airline
Pick an airline operating in your spoken language. You’ll be able to discuss your fears with the flight attendants and understand the announcements during the flight.
5. Learn Relaxation Techniques
Find the relaxation technique that works best for you and practise it for a few weeks prior to departure. Since the anxiety level might be high during the flight, download an app that will help you cope with a panic attack.
6. Get Some Rest
I know, an anxious mind would probably keep you awake, but try to go to bed as soon as possible the night before your trip. Make sure all your travel preparations are done so you can just relax.
7. Pick the Right Travel Buddy
It is obvious; two nervous people can’t reassure each other. Even worse, they could reinforce each other’s fears. Choose an experienced travel partner that is confident enough to support you throughout this experience.
8. Fly Comfortably
Wear ample and breathable clothes. Bring a blanket or sweatshirt; panic attacks trigger chills. Bring entertainment (music, books, crossword puzzles, etc.).
9. Eat and Drink Appropriately
Avoid dehydration, it will affect your mood. Caffeine and sugar will give you anxiety. An empty or full belly can make you nauseous. Motion-sickness medication cause drowsiness, which might sound like a good idea, but it’s not. Same with alcohol.
10. Enroll in an Aviophobia Program
Some companies like Aérosim offer training and courses to overcome the fear of flying. Some programs are offered online, others in simulators or with VR. In case of a severe phobia help from a health professional might be necessary.
