Does just thinking about flying give you a lump in your throat or make you break out in a sweat? This post is for you then. Flying is becoming more and more common for business and for pleasure, but people are just as afraid of flying as ever. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of the best tips for getting over your fear of flying. While we don’t promise that this will totally cure your fear, it will help make flying at least a little bit more manageable.
Image Source: Flickr via Steven Conry
#1: Come Armed With Knowledge
One of the best things you can do to make you less fearful of flying is to arm yourself with knowledge about planes and flying in general. Flying is one of the safest forms of transportation and you have a far better chance of dying from the food at the airport than you do from a plane crash.
Reinforce this fact by learning all about the science of how planes work and how they actually want to stay in the air. Reading about the causes of turbulence is especially helpful since it tells you that turbulence is little more than speed bumps in the air. When you know more about how flying works, the rational part of your brain will at least have a chance at fighting off that subconscious fear of flying.
#2: Book Your Flight To Reduce Stress
If you’re not a great flyer, you can make flying a much more pleasant experience simply by booking your flight better. Firstly, book direct flights when possible to avoid more take-offs and landings as possible and reduce the amount of time you’re actually in the air. Choose a seat on an aisle and over the wing to ensure you have the smoothest flight and don’t feel trapped.
When possible, try to fly on larger planes because they tend to have the smoothest flights and during the day so you can see what’s going on outside. You can even pick a flight that has lower levels of turbulence by using Turbulence Forecast to see what areas of the country are bumpier than others.
#3: Use Psychological Techniques on the Plane
After you’ve armed yourself with knowledge and booked the ideal flight, it’s time to actually fly. Once you’re on the plane there are a variety of ways to stay calm and fight that fear. One of the best things you can do is simply distract yourself. Bring your favorite movie, tv show, game, or book so you can immerse yourself in that instead of thinking about flying.
If that doesn’t work try the rubberband technique. That’s when you put a rubberband around your wrist and snap it against your skin when you start to feel afraid. The little jolt of pain will take you out of your fear and bring you back to reality. Taking deep breaths and focusing on other people on the flight are also useful techniques to make you feel less fearful.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to being a confident flyer ready to jet-set across the globe fear-free. Once you get to where you’re are going, try staying in your own luxury furnished apartment instead of a hotel. PC Housing offers corporate housing and vacation rentals perfect whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure. Contact PC Housing today to find out more.