Flying Without Fear

Make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time. You don't want to be worried about missing your flight or running to the gate. Those sorts of stresses will only increase your flying anxiety. It's best to arrive at the gate with enough time to sit and relax before having to board the plane.

Take off and landing are often the worst parts for those of us who are scared of flying so try to keep them to a minimum. If you can afford it, pay the extra and fly direct. It will take a lot of the stress out of flying.

Well not literally. But if you get more scared when it's turbulent, like me, you should pick a seat over the wings. The aircraft is more stable at that point so the turbulence will be less noticeable. Far more comfortable for the fearful flyer!

This one sounds a little crazy but, trust me, it works. When there is turbulence, jig around in your seat. That way you won't know what is the turbulence and what is you jigging! Someone suggested it to me on a flight once and I've used it ever since. You might look a bit silly but it'll make you feel better.

Try not to get into any superstitious habits. Once you start you won't be able to stop. You'll convince yourself that stopping could be fatal.

Years ago I started crossing my fingers for the duration of each flight I went on. That was all very well when I was traveling short distances but keeping them crossed for 11 hours can be quite a trial. I've thrown many a good airplane meal on the floor while trying to cut up chicken with my fingers crossed! The problem is convincing myself that uncrossing my fingers won't make the plane crash.

Take my advice - don't start with the superstitions. They only lead to trouble!

When you first get on the plane ask a flight attendant if they know whether any turbulence has been forecast. Often the pilot will know in advance. That way, when it happens, you'll probably be less scared because you knew it was coming. I always feel happier if I know that the pilot knew in advance as well!

Pack your iPod or other music player in your hand luggage and listen to some soothing music during the flight. Not only with the relaxing music help to keep you calm, it will also stop you from hearing all the unusual noises on the plane. It is often those noises that make us scared of flying because we don't know what's causing them. Block them out and you'll be far more at ease.

Tell the flight attendant that you are scared of flying. More often than not this will prompt them to check on you every now and then, especially if it gets turbulent. It can make all the difference, especially if you are traveling alone.

Although turbulence is uncomfortable, it is simply caused by the movement of air. Just as a boat bounces around when different currents of water meet, so an airplane bounces around when different currents of air meet. So what causes the air movement?

1. Close to the earth, winds cause turbulence.

2. The high ground of mountains disturbs the flow of air above it causing turbulence.

3. The sun heats the lower air making it rise and mix with the cooler air. That rising and mixing causes movement resulting in turbulence.

4. Clouds have updrafts and downdrafts of air which can cause turbulence.

5. Thunderstorms cause turbulence, although they are easily avoided by airplanes and the law states that pilots must stay at least 20 miles from them.

6. Clear air turbulence can occur close to the edge of a jetstream. The air in the middle of the jetstream moves much faster than the air around the edge. As the fast moving air rubs against the slow moving air it creates movement resulting in turbulence.

7. "Air pockets" which sometimes occur in clear air turbulence are downward air currents that cause planes to suffer a sudden decrease in altitude. Generally the 'drop' is far less severe than it feels to the passengers and is completely safe.

Just remember, pilots are trained to avoid turbulence when they can, and to deal with it when it can't be avoided. As long as you keep your seatbelt securely fastened you'll be fine.

Pack a small bottle of lavender oil in your hand luggage. When you get on the plane put a few drops onto some tissue and smell it every now and again. It'll help to keep you relaxed.

Pack some chamomile tea bags in your hand luggage. When the flight attendants offer you a drink ask for a cup of hot water. Pop in a tea bag and you'll be calm in no time.

Bach Rescue Remedy is great to help calm you down before and during the flight. Now you can buy it in a spray bottle or pastilles as well as the original tongue drop bottle. See the links below to buy your rescue remedy from Amazon.

Next time you're sitting on a plane feeling scared imagine that you are on an airline highway. Hundreds of planes are flying one after the other along the same flight path. The pilots up front can let the pilots behind know what's ahead in terms of weather and turbulence. Your plane is not alone up there.

You've heard it a million times before but flying really is the safest way to travel. Around 76,000 planes take off each day in the US alone so think how many take off around the world and land safely at their destination. Try to remember that next time you are sitting on a plane feeling scared.

Inhale and exhale slowly and gently through your nose, calming yourself with each breath. Try to concentrate on taking even and controlled breaths. If you lose concentration, don't worry, just keep taking it back to your breathing. Sometimes I find counting my breaths helps as well. It makes me focus on something other than my fear of flying.

If you liked this lens please check out some of my other lenses:

Eat Your Way to the Perfect Figure
South Island of New Zealand
The Isle of Jersey
Surviving Long Haul Flights

You can also visit my freelance writing and photography website and my weight loss and healthy eating blog.