5 Tips to Combat Flight Anxiety

Somewhere over Mozambique, August, 2023

Anxious of flying?

I had my first panic attack on an airplane 7 years ago. I think that was the beginning of my fear of flying, and there were periods where it was better and worse.

But here’s the thing. If you want to travel, flying is inevitable in many cases, so I had to find ways to deal with it.

I’m not saying it’s easy, but there are some easy-to-implement things that have really helped me, and might help you, too. Here are my top 5 tips to combat flight anxiety:

1. Sit in the front half of the plane

• I was told that there’s less turbulence in the front half of the plane, so try to book a seat there.
• Make sure you book an aisle or window seat & consider booking a seat with extra legroom.

2. Regulate your breathing & body tension

• The most important thing to do when struggling with flight anxiety is to regulate your breathing & body tension — when you’re anxious, you automatically stop breathing & your body gets tense. Try to actively relax your muscles & focus only on a regular breath. It works wonders, believe me
• I can recommend downloading breathing exercises/meditations to support you.

3. Music

• Music for life! I need music in all aspects of life, but it has definitely helped me many times during turbulent flights
• Be sure to download your favorite playlist; I can recommend something calm & soothing — this can also help you fall asleep.

4. Get to the airport early

• The German in me loves getting to the airport early.
• But not only that — it can really help you stay calm and not arrive stressed or in a hurry.

5. Prayer & Visualization

• I always pray before a flight. Always.
• In moments that are very scary, I also pray sometimes. I tell myself that I’m safe & protected.
• And I visualize beautiful things that will be waiting for me when I arrive, or I recall beautiful memories that make me happy.

Anxious of flying? What normally helps you?