“There’s…something on the wing!” So familiar is that line from the William Shatner episode of The Twilight Zone has it not only been parodied from everything from The Simpsons to Ace Ventura, that it was actually remade as a segment of The Twilight Zone: The Movie with John Lithgow in the lead role. It’s everyone who has a fear of flying’s nightmare: a gremlin is taking apart the airplane piece by piece.
There are other, more realistic reasons to be terrified of air travel. And there are also reasons to feel secure, especially since aircraft maintenance software have become so advanced these days. As George Carlin put it well before the planes hit the twin towers on September 11, 2001, they ask the three safety questions. Question number one: Did you pack your bags yourself?
Carlin responds, “No. Carrot Top packed by bags.”
All jokes aside, air travel can be nerve-wracking. After all, you’re travelling in a tube thousands of feet above the air at speeds only superheroes can reach. Below are several flying anxiety tips to calm yourself down on the way to your final destination. And by “final destination”, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your last.
1. Enjoy Some CBD Before Flying
This Is only available in certain parts of the world, but some cannobidoil companies sell travel kits specifically meant to relax you on your journey. CBD has been known to relieve stress, tension and even help arthritis. The science is still out, but since Mesopotamia, the drug has been used to heal, not hurt. So pick up a travel kit on your way to that big business meeting out of state, and you’ll be sure to have a relaxing flight. Some companies even offer travel pillows with their purchase.
2. Drink, but Responsibly
Too often, those with fear of flying tend to imbibe to an insane degree, but it’s proven that actually controlling your intake of alcohol will do two things: one, you’ll clear your head of fear of crashing into the earth or sea and two, you won’t be a crazy, annoying person on an airplane.
If you manage to control your habit, just have a few to settle in and space it out, particularly during long flights. It may make finding your luggage at the end of your journey more difficult, but you’ll be relaxed during the duration of the flight.
3. Watch a Movie to Ease Flying Anxiety
One of the best flying anxiety tips is to keep your mind occupied during the flight. Cinema is a great distraction and will keep your flying anxiety at ease and offered on most if not all flights. Films not to watch: Die Hard 2, The Twilight Zone: The Movie and any of the Airport films.
4. Hold On To Facts
Remind yourself of that old adage: most people die on their way to the airport than in a plane crash. It’s cliche, sure, but that doesn’t make it less accurate. Your chances of being involved in an air disaster are one in three million.
While you might want to avoid disaster news and reading up on missing flights, crashes and Captain Sullenberger, you’ll find comfort in knowing it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be the victim of a crash. Even loud noises or turbulence on an airplane have logical, safe explanations.
5. Fear and Danger Are Two Separate Things – Remember That
While it’s difficult to dissect initially, it’s important to remember that fear and actual danger are not the same thing. Yes, you may be afraid of being thousands of feet in the air, but it’s not the same as when things go wrong. It’s very necessary to remind yourself that one of these things is not like the other. You’re perfectly fine being nervous about flying, but in the end, you’ll most likely be fine. Just keep reminding yourself of the facts.
6. Talk To Your Seatmate
Apart from alerting the flight attendants that you may have concerns about flying, it’s also helpful to tell the person you’re next to. If they’re halfway decent, then they may well strike up a conversation to distract you, or listen to your concerns and comfort you in moments of crisis. If you have flying anxiety, it’s never a bad idea to talk to someone.
7. This Flight Might Be Your Last
Initially, this sounds like a terrifying idea, but bear with it: you are on a miracle of evolution that scientists and literal rocket scientists have created all for the purpose of getting you from Point A to Point B. Accept that, even if things go horribly wrong (and it’s unlikely they will), you have participated in an unique, human experience. Take what you will from that, and don’t waste it being afraid, be amazed.
