January 13, 2003
I can admit it: Although now a frequent flyer, I was once a white knuckler! It wasn't always the case, but with age I developed a fear of flying making me anxiously grab the arm rest on every single flight. It got so nerve-wracking that I hardly slept the night before a flight. Finally, I began to avoid air travel altogether. Eventually, out of necessity and desire, I conquered this fear of flying. And if I can, so can you.
There is no magic recipe but I have some recommendations that helped me greatly. First, I needed to know the facts. Statistically speaking, flying is the safest way to travel. Remind yourself of this often. Make it your new mantra. This is the medicine for your fear. As they say, knowledge is power. My recommended dose is daily recitation beginning three days prior to flying.
Second, remind yourself that problems can (and do) occur in flight that are not life-threatening. Pilots and flight attendants undergo rigorous training procedures to keep them in top shape and ready to handle emergency situations. I now collect stories from friends who have flown safely despite engine failure, faulty landing gear, and even fires! While no one wishes to encounter such an aeronautical experience, it's important to know that when technical problems arise, they can be handled.
Now that your mental state is adjusted, it's time to deal with another pesky in-flight experience: turbulence.
This is one thing that almost every flight is bound to meet. The majority of turbulence falls into one of two categories: either clear-air turbulence or so-called "frontal-boundary" turbulence. Clear-air turbulance is a bumpiness that occurs because of the heat rising off the earth. It can be totally clear and gorgeous outside, yet the flight can still feel choppy. Frontal-boundary turbulence, on the other hand, is a result of weather patterns colliding.
Although these are very simple explanations, they illustrate the that there is nothing to be afraid of from a bumpy ride--it's just air. When I was little, before the flying anxiety took over, I thought the bumps were like a ride in an amusement park! Now I don't go that far, but can recommend taking a deep breath and focusing on something else. Watch the movie, read a book, or talk to your neighbor. Try to relax and it will be over before you know it.
There are still a number of other factors that add to a fearful flyer’s angst. For example, the noise on planes can be disturbing. Some people are bothered by the unfamiliar noises. My suggestion is to bring headphones and a few of your favorite CDs, or wear ear plugs to cancel out some of the noise if you plan to read or sleep. Also request a seat farthest from the engines.
Sometimes the smell of an airplane and the recycled air is unsettling. Bring a small moisturizer, tonic, or atomizer with rose water and apply at take off and landing as well as throughout the flight. Your skin will stay hydrated and you'll have the benefit of feeling refreshed. Or try a lavender-filled head or neck rest. Aromatherapy can go a long way to help you relax.
Hydration is important as well, for your skin and your body. Nutritionists say that drinking plenty of water prevents hunger, crankiness, drowsiness, and even assists the body in countering the effects of jetlag. While you may think that a toddy is the way to take the edge off, the alcohol (and caffeine) can cause more harm than good. I recommend taking your own bottle of water with you since the airlines tend to have limited supplies on board. (And, you may want to sit on the aisle so you don't disturb your neighbor each time you need to take a trip to the bathroom!)
Indulge in a good novel (the one that has been sitting on your bed stand for months) or a magazine (the kind you don't let yourself read at home). Relish this rare time while you are unreachable!
I love that my flights are the one time that my cell phone can't be turned on. I won’t have any interruptions from my boss, parents, friends, or colleagues. Flight time is my time, however I choose to use it. Now, I look forward to my flights – each and every one of them! It's exactly what the doctor ordered.
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff's blog, The Window Seat, or her monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
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