Overcome Your Fear of Flying
If you have a fear of flying, you’re not alone. Statistically speaking, an estimated 1 in 3 people have flight anxiety (Meyer). These anxieties can arise for different reasons and not always due to the possibility of crash. Some panic because of claustrophobia, while others worry what might happen in the event of a medical emergency. For whatever reason, such fears can prevent people from traveling and put a damper on life. The following tips can help ease the nerves while 30,000 feet above!
Know the Facts
The odds of dying in a plane crash are astronomical. The actual statistic is around 1 in 11 million (Ropeik). You have a better chance of winning most lotteries. Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be around 1 in 700,000 (National Geographic). Flying is an exceptionally safe form of travel and crashes are rare occurrences. The average worrier assumes that there’s no hope for those in a plane crash, even though an estimated 95% of people in a plane crash survive (Lallanilla).
Picking a Safe Airline
Don’t settle for any airline just to save a few dollars. Research various airlines and familiarize yourself with their safety records. Choosing an airline with a clean track record can give peace of mind and reassurance.
Pay Attention and Mentally Prepare
Although it’s tempting to zone out during the safety demonstration, pay attention. Know your exits and become acquainted with safety procedures. Run the scenario of an emergency through your mind so that if you happen to be in one, you’re not oblivious and know what to expect.
Choose the right Seat
Crash statistics show that sitting towards the back of the plane can increase your survival odds by 40% in the event of a crash (Lallanilla). Try choosing a seat near an exit and further back in the plane. When seated, always keep your seat belt fastened.
Distract Yourself
Before boarding the plane, plan your in-flight routine. Try to keep yourself distracted for the entire duration of the flight. If you’re not one to sleep on planes, consult your doctor about possibly taking a sleep aid. Only trust and consult your doctor when considering any drug to aid yourself while flying. Aside from medicines, do anything that is enjoyable and distracting: read, write, draw, do puzzles, watch movies. Download your favorite television show and watch as many episodes as possible. If you can, travel with someone. Traveling with a buddy is one of the best distractions. They can provide comfort and reassurance when the turbulence hits.
In everything, be aware. Know crash statistics, know your airline, and plan ahead. Choosing an appropriate seat and laying out distractions for yourself are keys to calming the nerves. Look ahead to your destination and be reassured that a crash is incredibly unlikely. Once you realize the considerable and improbable odds, you may even begin to enjoy flying. Remember, you have a higher chance of being in a car accident on the way to the airport than enduring a plane crash (Ropeik).
Works Cited
Discovery. Big Question: What are the odds of surviving a plane crash? 18 October 2013. dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/big-question-what-are-odds-of-surviving-plane-crash.htm.
Lallanilla, Mark. How to Survive a Plane Crash. 9 July 2013. 18 October 2013. scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-survive-a-plane-crash.
Meyer, Staci. The Plane Truth: Conquering Your Fear of Flying . 18 October 2013. dtmag.com/Stories/Dive%20Traveler/05-02-dive_traveler.htm.
National Geographic. Flash Facts About Lightning. 24 June 2004. 18 October 2013. news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0623_040623_lightningfacts.html.
Ropeik, David. How Risky Is Flying? 17 October 2006. 18 October 2013. pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/how-risky-is-flying.html.
