Although I travel by plane several times a year, both domestic and international, I’m a nervous flyer! I instantly feel sick once I’m on board, I get worried about every single noise, bump and anything else you could imagine. On our most recent trip to the USA, I had to overcome 2 x 14-hour flights, 2 x 6-hour flights and a flight in a TINY light aircraft (my biggest fear) to the Grand Canyon.
Here are some tips that get me through each flight!
- Noise-cancelling headphones – They will block out any noise from the aircraft (and kids, which is a bonus).
- Watch the cabin crew – You can read the body language of the cabin crew and how calm they are during turbulence, which is always reassuring.
- Watch a movie – I find watching a movie keeps me busy and my mind distracted from worry about the flight.
- Try not to overthink everything – This is my biggest problem! It’s really hard not picking apart every noise, bump or movement that occurs. It’s really best to try and let it go!
- Take advantage of the alcohol on full-service flights – Do what you have to do to get through the flight! Ha!
- Let the cabin crew know you are scared – I have had a few crew notice I was scared and they took the time to reassure me! They are great at doing this and who better to reassure you than an expert flyer.
- Speak with your GP before flying – Your GP might want to prescribe you something to relax before the flight. I have no experience with this and haven’t needed to take anything before, but I have family that do this each time they fly and it calms them for the flight.
- Talk to people around you – We’ve met so many friendly travellers on board our flights! Again, this keeps you busy while allowing you to make new friends at the same time.
- Sit near the wings or in the middle of the plane – This is my favourite spot to sit! I feel less movement here and find it “less bumpy”. Your view is also obstructed since you’re over the wings.
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