If you experience high levels of flight anxiety, it can make travelling to different destinations around the globe a real problem. Fear of getting on a flight can start from childhood, or even emerge in later life as a result of different triggers. If you have to travel for work, or simply want to be able to explore many more beautiful locations with your family and friends, below you’ll find some tips on how to deal with long flight anxiety.
Some of the reasons why people are afraid to fly include a fear of the unknown, of being out of control or feelings of claustrophobia. Sometimes, just telling someone how you feel can help. Figuring out what triggers your fear in the first place is an important first step toward conquering flight anxiety. Once you have spoken about it, it will help you to recognise that your phobia is irrational. Also, if the people you are travelling with are aware of your fears, they will be able to help distract you, and keep you calm.
Occasionally, people that suffer from flight anxiety think alcohol might help take the edge off flying. However, this can actually have the opposite effect, and end up making the situation worse. Alcohol – and caffeine – can leave you feeling more dehydrated during the flight, and can also aggravate anxiety issues. Instead, stick to water, and choose lots of healthy food options, too.
Meditation really helps to gain a new perspective on stressful situations. This centuries-old technique is one of the best coping mechanisms for modern terrors, so before and after you fly, ensure that you concentrate on being present in the moment, being aware of – and accepting – your panicky feelings, rather than getting caught up in bad memories or horrible future predictions.
Having the space to meditate on a plane can be difficult, but with VistaJet’s home-away-from-home experience, our cabins are fully equipped for all your needs. From restful family spaces to luxurious soft beds, there is an abundance of room for you to relax in.
To help with your flight anxiety, ensure that you have packed familiar pleasures to take with you. Create a playlist of your favourite songs and pop in your headphones, or distract yourself with a book written by an author that you love.
When you travel with VistaJet, you will also have the option to explore a collection of literature from writers of the past and today. On our Global 7500 aircraft, you will find a wall-wide library packed with some of the best titles, so all you’ll need to do is sit back, relax and get stuck into a new story to take your mind off things.
Before flying, it can really help to educate yourself on the facts. As per the data released from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), your chances of being involved in an airplane accident are one in 11 million. Plus, aircrafts undergo extensive testing to maximise passenger safety.
At VistaJet, we lead the industry in pioneering and adopting the most advanced technologies in business aviation. Through our comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS), we are able to identify, assess and mitigate risk for a safe operation and working environment for all our customers and employees. In partnership with MedAire, we can also arrange comprehensive fear of flying courses anywhere in the world, because we want to ensure that our customers feel their best before, during and after their flight.
Wherever you’re jetting off to, allow us to provide the perfect, calm setting so that you can keep your flight anxiety at bay. No matter whether you need to get to the US for work or want to head out to an idyllic island for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, simply get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help you organise your next trip.
