FEAR BEFORE THE FLIGHT: WHAT TO DO?

Probably, many experienced travelers even have some fear, once again getting on board the aircraft. And there is nothing wrong with that! Of course, there is a real aerophobia, in which a person will not get on a plane under any pretext – then it’s better to turn to a good psychologist. And for those who are afraid, but still fly, we have collected a few life hacks that will help overcome this fear.
Naked stats
First of all, stop scrolling in your mind the terrible scenes of disasters. Get better statistics. For example, on the website flightradar24.com you can see in real time how many aircraft are in a given second in the sky. As you can see, this figure is huge, and you cannot count it at once! Every minute, many planes all over the planet land and take off without incident!
Another option is to study the statistics of incidents in the world in relation to the number of flights. You heard about the fact that the plane – the safest mode of transport? We support this statement with numbers. For example, the International Air Transport Association cites the following statistics: in 2016, about 3.8 billion passengers successfully reached 40.4 million flights! Life-affirming, isn’t it?
Arrive at the airport on time
If you have a fear of flying, this day is best not to be nervous at all. And haste is always stress, so in order not to run around the airport, leave the house in advance. Check-in usually starts two hours before departure, so it’s best to arrive by that time.
And after spending some time at the airport, you can look around and get used to, deal with your luggage and slowly find the reception desk. Calm during all these procedures will allow you to keep calm during the flight.
Choose a place in the middle of the plane
In order not to experience additional fear, watching the flight through the window of the porthole, choose a place away from the windows. Most often, with online registration, companies provide the opportunity to choose places, so that someone else will admire the dizzying look. Pay attention also to the fact that during turbulence, the tail of the aircraft shakes more.
Do not listen to the sounds
During take-off, flight and landing, you can hear a lot of different sounds: the creaking of the rising chassis, reduction of engine noise during a decline, etc. Do not sit and listen to every rustle in anticipation of how something in the engine of the plane will be tapping. Better take your favorite band’s album with you and enjoy good music!
Be prepared for turbulence
If the plane gets, for example, in the windy zone, it can start to shake. Fortunately, this happens infrequently, but if during your flight you feel a “bumpiness” (that’s what pilots call it), don’t be intimidated! No catastrophe happened for this reason, and the crew knows exactly what to do in this situation and how to get out of such a zone.
The only thing that can happen is a passenger may fall out of the seat due to shaking, so if you are afraid, do not unbuckle your seat belt.
Do not overeat
But to fly on an empty stomach is also not the best idea, so make yourself a light snack before departure. You should not drink coffee and alcohol: in combination with feelings and height they can lead to the most unexpected results.
Try to relax and prepare for yourself fun.
I do not want to repeat the truisms, however, you still need to relax. Put on comfortable clothes, take a book, a collection of crosswords into the flight, download an interesting movie on a laptop or an exciting game. And also bring some sweets, chewing gums or a chocolate bar with you: chewing gives a calming effect.
Try to sleep
If your favorite TV series and chocolate do not reassure you, try to sleep. Keep away your phone, tablet and laptop, leave only the player with calm music or the noise of the forest, the sea, drink herbal tea and safely sleep.
And most importantly: the fear of flying is normal! Even seasoned travelers can experience it. So do not despair, but rather think about how nice and interesting you will spend time in a new place for you.
Have a nice flight!