Do YOU have a fear of flying? Flight attendant shares four tips to help anxious flyers travel better
- Here are @cici.inthesky’s four tips to help your journey smoother
In 1903, American brothers, Orville and Wilbur completed the world’s first successful controlled powered flight – and man has been taking to the skies ever since.
But, understandably, being between 35,000 and 42,000 feet in the air isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
In the UK, it is estimated that one in ten experience aerophobia, which is intense anxiety before or during a flight.
However, studies estimate that this statistic is a lot higher, according to Anxiety UK.
But if you are among this one in ten, you may be in luck, as flight attendant and TikToker @cici.inthesky, has shared her top four tips to help anxious flyers travel better.
The flight attendant, Cici (pictured) and TikToker with a following of around 358,300 shared her four tips on helping anxious flyers travel better
According to the flight attendant, also known as @cici.inthesky, it is worth paying a little bit more to choose your sear if you are an anxious flyer
1. Pay a bit extra and choose your seat
Being shaken up by turbulence is probably amongst one of the worst experiences if you are a nervous flyer.
Cici recommends that if you are an anxious flyer, it is worth dishing out a bit extra and paying to choose where you sit.
The best place for an anxious flyer to place themselves is near the wings, according to the flight attendant.
This is because, in this part of the aeroplane you are more likely to experience a smoother ride, in comparison to the tail of the plane as it can bounce up and down more.
There are many reasons why turbulence may happen and high winds, storms and random pockets of air are among a few.
But it is important to remember that pilots are highly skilled and qualified. They are well equipped to deal with turbulence and ensuring you have a safe flight.
2. Let them know you are an anxious flyer
She also recommends letting crew know if you get a bit jittery while flying, so you can ask questions to help you feel more at ease
Cici’s second tip is to let the crew know you are an anxious flyer and tell them what seat you are in.
There is no shame in asking for help, and flight attendants can be a great source of comfort for anxious flyers.
According to the flight attendant, if you are a nervous flyer, asking crew about any worries or questions you have about the journey can be a great way to ease your anxiety about the travel ahead.
3. Wear noise cancelling headsets
Noise cancelling headsets are a must according to Cici (pictured), as noise from crying babies or loud chatters can cause nervous jetsetters to feel anxious
Her third tip for those who feel nervous about going up the gangway, is to wear noise cancelling headphones.
Noise from crying babies or loud chatters can cause nervous jetsetters to feel anxious.
Cici told her 358,300 TikTok followers: ‘I have found that different people often get anxious about the different sounds that the plane makes, which most are completely normal.’
She added: ‘So those will deter some of those sound stressors’
One user agreed: ‘The noise cancelling headphones made such a big difference for me on my 11 hour flight.’
4. Counselling
The TikToker also recommended counselling as a tool to combat the travel jitters.
If your fear of flying is debilitating and you do suffer from aerophobia then it is recommended to follow NHS guidelines on getting help and seeking treatment for phobias.
NHS guidance and advice for phobias can be found here.
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