Posted on Thursday, 19 December 2013

The fear of flying is an issue that many thousands of Britons are struck by, whether they take a plane once a year or once a month. While the notion of an aluminium aircraft flying many feet above the ground sounds precarious, the practice of flying is in truth very, very safe. And if your fear of flying takes you over, it can mean many missed opportunities for travel and even work. For many fears regarding travel – such as missing a flight or having your wallet stolen whilst abroad – a good travel insurance policy can offer real peace of mind. But when it comes to a fear of flying, a more direct approach is usually required. Here we look at some great ways to minimise this common fear.

• Consider the risks logically.

While air accidents do happen, they do so to a tiny proportion of flights. As you can discover from your own research, walking around your home town or travelling by car are actually more inherently risky than flying; and most of us would consider those relatively risk-free. Aeroplanes undergo constant servicing and maintenance, and the chances of something going wrong mechanically are very low indeed. AOL carried out a report in 2010 that revealed just how rigorous the testing of an aircraft is; for example, they must be able to carry one-and-a-half times their full load weight, and be able to endure temperatures of 120 degrees – among many other criteria.

• Make yourself comfortable.

Whether it is a long or short haul flight, it is a good idea to settle in and make yourself comfortable. Wear loose, comfy clothes and take a shawl or something similar along to keep warm – as aircraft air conditioning can sometimes be a little chilly. Comfort food may also help to keep your nerves under control. For children who are a little nervous about flying, take along a familiar toy or game to help keep them calm.

• Focus on your breathing and listen to soothing sounds.

The technique of focussing on your own breathing is used by millions to deal with all manner of stressful situations – and it can work with your fear of flying, too. There are many ways to do this, but you might try focussing on the feeling of air passing in and out of your nostrils, or becoming aware of the rising and falling of your chest as you breathe. To help with this, you might source some calming, natural sounds for your mp3 player and listen to those as you breathe.

• Eat and drink well before and during the flight.

Eating meals containing fresh fruit and vegetables can help you feel healthy and relaxed. Equally, keeping your body and brain hydrated can help to reduce stress and provide a sense of wellbeing. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee, as these can trigger the release or cortisone, a stress chemical which can tense both the muscles and the mind. Alternatives such as chamomile and peppermint tea can promote relaxation. Your on board meal is important too; the prospect of tasty food can take your mind off the stress. However, low-fat meals may better support a sense of wellbeing, while high fat foods may increase blood pressure, and therefore stress.

• Distract yourself with movies, music and books.

Long haul flights nearly always give you access to a wide range of movies and songs via an in-flight entertainment system. Think about what film you might watch before you board the plane, or what album you might listen to, and try to ‘get excited' about them. If you are on a short haul flight, remember that you will probably not have access to an in-flight entertainment system, so take along a good book, or a laptop with a film downloaded and ready to watch. Load up some new tunes on your mp3 player/phone.

• Dutch courage.

For some people, a stiff drink can help to get the mind into a more relaxed place. It may help relax the muscles and help convince the mind that all is well. Of course, it is not recommended that you drink too much, as this can bring further problems; needing the toilet more frequently, dehydration and perhaps headaches or sickness. However, a little ‘Dutch courage' has worked wonders for soldiers' pre-battle nerves for centuries, so it might well help you reach your summer holiday destination more easily.

• Try to sleep on the plane.

This may be difficult if you are worried about the flight, but combine breathing exercises, a healthy meal beforehand and a lack of caffeine – and you may have a chance of getting to sleep. If you feel that sleeping may be a good way to manage your fear of flying, you may want to buy some herbal sleeping pills – or a pharmaceutical version. While you can buy sleeping aids in pharmacies without a prescription, you may wish to get advice from a medical professional in order to get the right solution for you.

• Visit your GP as a last resort.

If you are really stressed about flying, have had little success in keeping your fear in check, and simply must take a flight (perhaps for family or business reasons), then you might ask your doctor for advice. They may tell you about herbal remedies, or give you something such as ‘beta blockers', which are actually designed to keep blood pressure low, but have proven helpful for such issues as driving test and exam stress. Asking your GP for advice should probably only be considered if none of the other approaches have worked.

Enjoy the Freedom of Flight!

The best way to deal with your fear is to face it and overcome it, as opting for pharmaceuticals, alcohol or sleeping tablets does not deal with the root fear. Patience and self-belief are key to overcoming your flying phobia, opening up an exciting world of travel options for you.

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