Traveling can change people. Through metamorphosis, the person will feel different emotions such as excitement, joy, and fear. The latter is one of the most common emotions that a first-time traveler in traveling will feel. One thing is for sure; there is nothing to be ashamed of if you are feeling afraid.
There will always be a reason behind having a fear of traveling, and this has something to do with the mode of transportation. Of course, traveling by air is primarily the vehicle being taken when one wants to travel overseas or domestically. It is not new to any of us that there will always be people who are afraid of traveling via air travel.
There are specific triggers as to why people are afraid of traveling by flight, which will be discussed further. So in this blog, people will learn the cause of fear of breakouts and solutions that will solve said fear. Moreover, they will also learn how to make the most out of their expenses when traveling and other modes of transportations they can take when traveling.
FEAR OF FLYING
“KEEPING YOU GROUNDED”
The fear of flying is a phobia called, aerophobia. This affects many people, and the underlying cause of having this fear varies per individual.
The several factors that contribute to this fear are people who suffer from psychological problems such as claustrophobia and heights. “This was my phobia before I decided to join the Airline Industry”.
This is also related to the word hodophobia referred to as travel phobia or fear of travel but should not be confused with travel aversion.
Some people fear experiencing malfunctions within the plane, whether it be due to external factors or not, and cause them to think that a tragedy will soon occur. These people will most likely have a panic attack on the plane, while some will exhibit anxiety.
I have encountered first-time travelers who were uneasy, sweating, and having a panic attack. I assured him that, “the flight is going to be smooth, we have very good pilots on board as well as flight attendants, and most of all I told him, “think about how beautiful your destination is ( while handing him the Inflight magazine to keep him busy).” One of the best in the Caribbean destination”, I said, and that settled him down.
To those of you who might be interested to be a part of the “FEAR OF FLYING FORUM “, this group will educate you on how to acclimate to new conditions and changes. You may try this group and be part of the discussions as you will learn new things about yourself. Do not forget to ask questions regarding your concern. Remember, I am “not” a “doctor” I will only recommend what I have experienced.
How to Overcome Aerophobia?
The good news is, there are actually ways in which travelers can overcome their fear of air travel. I know it is easier said than done, but I want you to know that there are a few things you can do in order to gradually get used to traveling in the skies. I will say this again, “I am not a Doctor”, this is what I have learned from my own passengers, my friends, and those I have encountered during the forum which I have mentioned earlier.
5 Ways To Accomplish To Overcome YOur Anxiousness To Travel
Before the flight:
1.FIGURE OUT YOUR TRIGGERS
If you are able to identify what triggers your anxiousness to travel, then it will be easier for you to figure out how to keep your fear at bay. Moreover, by identifying your triggers, you will be able to take control and respond to said triggers. For example, if the person is afraid of the sudden movements made by the aircraft due to air turbulence, then they should equip themselves with the knowledge of how a plane works. Read about it.
After finding out that this is a normal response that an airplane makes, they will be reassured and remain calm.
2. Know How an Airplane Operates
I would recommend for you to equip yourself with the basics of how an airplane operates.
Of course, it is not necessarily a requirement for you. It is merely a bit of advice to help those of you who suffer from aerophobia.
Having the knowledge of how an airplane operates will ultimately reassure you.
Read about it as it is very interesting how an airplane flies.
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howplaneswork.html#:~:text=A%20plane’s%20engines%20are%20designed,holds%20it%20in%20the%20sky.&text=The%20wings%
3.Choose Your Seat
For those passengers who are claustrophobic, it is recommended that they choose the seats closest to the aisle. This makes it easier for them to move in the cabin and not feel suffocated by tight space. You may obtain these seats if you book earlier and inform the travel agents of your choice.
Once you are in your seating area, immediately remove the things you might need after take-off ( assuming that you already pack these things separately for easy access) in order not to delay the boarding process for on-time performance.
Take your seat, check your seatbelt and fasten securely.
4. AVOID DISASTER FOOTAGES
Passengers must refrain from viewing graphic travel disasters footages. This will further worsen their fear of traveling, in this case, air travel and in any form of transportation when traveling is concerned. By avoiding such content, passengers will not feel too uneasy during their flight.
It is up to you, how often you want to see disaster footages most especially at this point and time due to the Pandemic that everyone is confined at home, seating in front of their computers, watching videos, and suddenly we are compelled in witnessing the news about the disaster, and all of us would like to be a part of it and anxious to know what will happen next.
There are people who are desensitized by disaster footage, but not for me or to anyone who does not want to be near it or to see one. If one is leaving for a nice vacation, avoid it!
5. REASSURE YOURSELF
It is important that we or you reassure yourself that your trip will turn out well. Passengers must think positively about their trip so that their overall experience inside any form of transportation will be pleasant. Also, you must have faith in your pilot that he/she will be able to bring all of you to your destination safely.
Self-reassurance for me is having your own ability to encourage yourself or others and awareness of your own positive qualities and capabilities.
We all need reassurance which is a healthy expression of our need for validation, self-esteem, and positive contact.
Travel, there is always the possibility of change at any given time that makes travelers anxious. As flight attendants, we reassure our passengers that in any airline for the matter, safety comes first.
Is Air Travel the safest mode of transportation?
Yes, there are several reasons why:
- Aviation professionals. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the aviation professionals includes, Aviation Safety inspectors, Aviation safety technicians, Aerospace Engineers, Medical Officers, and Operations Research Analysis, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Traffic controllers, Airline Pilots and Aircraft Mechanics.
These professionals are responsible for thousands of lives everyday. They have the ability to think clearly in times of crisis, they have the ability to separate their personal feelings from the task at hand and most of all they retain the ability to make sound decisions because their thought process is not hindered by emotion.
