To help those who suffer from anxiety while flying, we’ve gathered expert-backed strategies from your peers. These practical tips aren’t just for you—they’re valuable insights you can share with clients to ensure they enjoy every moment of their travels, from takeoff to touchdown.
Planning Ahead
Travel advisor Luisa Yu knows a thing or two about flying, having visited all 193 countries recognized by the United Nations. She has a few simple tips for flying anxiety-free, including planning ahead. She says, travelers need to “allow for extra time for delays like traffic or accidents. Yu continues: “Sleep well—get a good night’s rest before your flight; be ready—pack and check in early; and relax—use simple calming techniques like deep breathing.” Yu also recommends travelers “stay updated, by checking their flight status and weather before they leave to avoid surprises; bring distractions—pack a book, download favorite music, or have a podcast ready to keep your mind busy; stay hydrated and eat light; use noise-canceling headphones; talk to flight crew, especially if one is feeling uneasy; and wear comfortable clothes.”
Book Private Airport Car Service Upon Landing
Amy Madson, Co-founder of the Madson & Associates travel agency, affiliated with Dream Vacations, says that she tries to make sure her clients have organized transportation waiting upon arrival. “This puts their mind at ease,” she says. “Seeing that sign with your name on it after you clear baggage claim makes you feel special and you don’t have to do anything about figuring out how to get to your hotel or ship.” On the flight itself, Madson recommends “upgrading to premium economy or business, which makes flying a much less stressful experience. The extra space and the more attentive service make flying pleasant.”
Arrive Early
Travel consultant Kim Goldstein, President of Journeys Inc., agrees with Yu, noting that travelers should “arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. No need to start your vacation rushed and frantic.” She also recommends “bringing something to distract you while flying whether it’s computer games, books or movies…or just simply organize the pictures on your phone. Some airlines offer complimentary WiFi, so that’s also a great way to distract yourself. Nothing like doing some good Internet shopping while you’re in the air.”
Distraction, Distraction, Distraction
Jessi Fleagane, Owner of Wild Gift Adventure Travel Company, is also all about creating distraction while flying. “I would say listen to an engaging/funny audiobook or podcast,” she says. “If you are stressed, reading can be hard, but if you can close your eyes and listen to a good story, that can be much easier. Especially if it is light-hearted and makes you laugh.”
Know the Rules
Tom Varghese, Owner of Travel Tom, also recommends travelers get “lots of rest the night before their flight.” He recommends everyone be prepared before they get to the airport, by knowing “the rules and regulations around baggage, baggage weight, seat selection, etc. for your airline.” And when it’s family travel time, Varghese says, “if traveling with kids, bring snacks and download games and movies to make it a more comfortable experience for everyone.”
Book Early Morning Flights
Jessica White, Owner of Jessica White Travel, an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, tells Recommend that those seeking an anxiety-free flying experience should opt for a “morning flight compared to an afternoon or evening flight whenever possible. Morning flights have a much higher probability of departing on time, and on the off-chance your flight is delayed or canceled, you have an easier chance of getting on a different flight, which results in much less stress during travel.”
Breathe!
While on that flight, Lauren Doyle, President, The Travel Mechanic, recommends passengers practice the “4-7-8 breathing technique, which instantly relaxes you. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for seven and then release for eight; repeat it five times (or more).” She also says distraction is the number-one stress reliever: “Downloading books and movies/TV shows and starting the book or TV show before you leave so you are hooked into it and will want to ‘finish it on the plane.’ That way, you are more distracted with your content that you forget about flying.”
