4 travel tips to make flying more pleasant

4 travel tips to make flying more pleasant

You've finally decided to book your plane ticket. Yet nothing stresses you more than imagining yourself in the sky, on board a plane... You imagine every possible scenario, and of course, the more dangerous the scenario, the greater your phobia. Because we know that fear of flying can be a real handicap, in this article we give you several tips that will make your flights more pleasant, even if you're feeling sick to your stomach when it's time to board.

Overcoming fear of flying: choosing the right seat

Choosing the right seat can make a big difference if you're afraid of flying. Depending on where you are, you may feel more or less safe. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right seat:

• Choose a seat close to the wings. It generally offers a more stable flying experience. You'll feel less of the plane's movements.

• Even if most of you don't like sitting close to work, seats near these openings allow you to control the brightness by lowering or raising a blind. This control may be comforting for some of you.

• We do not recommend seats at the rear of the aircraft. If you're afraid of flying, hearing the sound of engines and tail movements can increase your anxiety. What's more, a lot of turbulence is felt more at the back of the plane.

Take the fear out of flying: tips to improve your comfort

A number of tips can help you improve your physical and mental comfort during the flight.

Relaxation techniques

Deep breathing, meditation and positive visualization can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Practice before and during your flight to relax and feel more at ease.

Distraction techniques

Keep your mind occupied and entertained! A book, magazines or games on your phone will help you focus on something other than your fear of flying. You can also watch a film if the plane offers one, or listen to an interesting podcast that will immerse you in another world.

Physical relaxation exercises

Before your flight, take the time to do some gentle stretching, shoulder rotation and muscle-relationship exercises. This will relax your body and reduce tension. You may also find that you feel less muscle stiffness during the flight.

Comfort accessories

Take along a travel pillow, earplugs and perhaps a light plaid to create a more comfortable atmosphere. You can also use a sleep mask to block out light and promote relaxation.

Talk to the crew

Fear of emptiness can lead to anxiety attacks. If you feel more comfortable sharing your worries, don't hesitate to tell the flight crew about your fear of flying. They are trained to help anxious passengers and will provide you with extra support during your flight.

Managing the wait at the airport to reduce your fear of flying

If you have a fear of flying, waiting in the departure lounge can increase your stress and anxiety. Here are several tips to make these moments more pleasant:

• Arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid the stress of a late arrival. Being early allows you to settle in and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.

• Airports sometimes offer relaxation areas, such as VIP lounges, rest areas or indoor gardens. Take advantage of these facilities to relax and enjoy yourself before the flight.

• Drink to avoid dehydration, and avoid heavy, fatty foods, which can make you feel unpleasantly heavy. Instead, opt for fresh fruit, nuts or energy bars.

Managing fear of flying through training courses

Fear of flying courses offer a safe, controlled environment where participants can acquire knowledge, skills and strategies for coping with their fear.

One of the main benefits of Fear of Flying courses is education. These programs provide detailed information on various aspects of flying. They also offer practical sessions where participants have the opportunity to take part in flight simulations. These simulations reproduce realistic flight conditions. This controlled experience helps participants to recognize and manage their anxiety in real time, while being supervised by trained professionals.

Discussions with psychologists help to identify the causes of fear of flying, demystify irrational fears and control negative thoughts.

Fear of flying training