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What to Do When You’re Afraid to Fly
I have been traveling via plane since I was 6 years old. My fear of flying has never gotten better, matter of fact, it got worse after 9/11. My fear has been bad enough that on occasion I avoided traveling on flights longer than 3 hours, as if being on a flight that was short was going to be safer than one 7 hours? Over the years I have used many strategies and coping mechanisms for working through an upcoming flight. Here’s what you can do when you’re afraid to fly.
Let’s agree on one thing before we begin, we won’t let our fears control our life. We were made to thrive, not just to survive. We can do this! We can do hard things! The first step in preparing ourselves for an upcoming flight is to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor about your fears. A doctor can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help ease your worries before and during the flight to your destination.
Depending on the length of your flight, your doctor will suggest or prescribe a medication to meet your needs.
The anticipation of getting on the plane, possible turbulence, and thinking about how long you’re in the air can build up and make things in your mind seem way more nerve wracking than they need to be. How about setting the tone and creating an ambiance that sets us up for calm, rational thoughts, and chill vibes?! Let’s prepare for this by purchasing a few items to make our flying experience what it needs to be.
Music. Music is essential in calming me anytime. Now I’m not talking about Enya or Kenny G. I am talking about whatever music gets you in the zone of increasing endorphins and putting you in your happy place. Creating a playlist prior to your flights is a great idea and will keep you occupied. Air pods, headphones, whatever you can apply to listen on your phone, or even an old school set with a jack that plugs into your seat to watch a movie! These will definitely come in handy! Keeping yourself busy and distracted will help the time fly by.
I love reading, word searches and journaling. These activities keep me grounded (pun intended) from having a panic attack, even bringing a mini board game or deck of cards to pass the time. Chewing gum, candy, breath mints, all help the brain focus on the flavors and distract it from the messages creating panic.
How about a nap? Bringing a travel pillow, wearing comfy clothes, and maybe a sleep mask can all create a comfortable mood to have a short or long nap during your flight. Check out our Pineapple Escapes Travel accessories shopping list for more ideas!
I have friends who go to therapy to work on their anxieties about flying, some avoid medication and choose to have a glass of wine during their flight and hold onto their loved one’s hand for reassurance, it’s all about what works for you. I have often let flight attendants know that my daughter has a fear of flying, prior to boarding and they often take a moment to check on her a few times during the flight, and it helps her feel safe and secure.
Another way to prepare yourself for a flight that creates anxiety for you, is to envision the destination. Where you’re going is probably somewhere amazing, envisioning that beach, your family, the sun, etc. can prevent your blood pressure from rising and maybe even get those endorphins we talked about, pumping!
If it comes to a point for you where you just cannot get yourself onto a plane, and I have been there so I can sincerely empathize, there are other ways to enjoy travel. Road trips, trains, cruises, etc. all are other applicable methods of travel that you can use to see this big, beautiful world!
Contact your favorite Pineapple Escapes Travel Advisor today, to get planning on your next amazing escape!
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