This summer there has been lots of scary news bulletins about bad flights, which has just incited the fear factor for those of us who are a little bit unsure about boarding a flight.
There have been some really bad turbulence reports this year, but considering the amount of flights that come in and out of the UK each day – it is a very rare occurrence.
TV Travel Expert, Rob Staines has put together some expert advice to ensure that any nervous flyers can travel with ease, comfort and reassurance in the new year.
Rob says:
Make friends with your crew – they’re a sociable bunch and they’re there to help. Let them know if you’re nervous, overwhelmed, even excited. It’s their job to ensure your comfort and safety and it’s always nice for them to be looking after a friendly face – what you give out you get back! If you’re nervous, simply ask them to come and check on you periodically – tell them what you need, don’t always assume they know!
Don’t overpack – it’s tempting to take a lot onto the aircraft with you but only take what you really need. I am not a fan of the “take hand luggage only” advice, it’s not realistic to most trips and encourages overpacking and overloading yourself. Cabin Baggage limits are shirinking on many airlines and it’s stressful to be told you’re bag is too big. Lugging yourself through a bloated terminal building is a strain as it is – don’t weigh yourself down with a shed load of bags and belongings you likely won’t use or need. It’s also an extra stress when trying to find space in an overhead locker or limiting your already minimal personal space around or underneath your seat. Do yourself a favour and offload the majority of your baggage by checking it in.
Use the time to your advantage – whilst many dread flying, how many other situations do you find the stresses of every day life are completely taken away from you? Less opportunity to answer calls and emails, no chores, no work, just you and yourself amongst the clouds. Take noise cancelling headphones and listen to a podcast you’ve been dying to get into, read that novel or magazine you just never get time to start, binge-watch a series everyone tells you is a must watch. If travelling as a family, use it as a chance to spend quality time by playing some games or activities – I once took a friendship bracelet-making kit with my niece and it was a wonderful bonding experience that made the flight go much quicker.
Keep hydrated – the number one aspect that gives you that sluggish feeling after a flight is dehydration. Planes physically dry you out so make sure you drink plenty of liquids. I take an empty water bottle to refill at the airport. It’s hard for your body to retain plain water so I pop in a few slices of lemon or my favorite fruit into the bottle before I go. Not only does it taste nicer, it also means my body will absorb the liquid and I’ll be visiting the loo less! A facial spritz or aerosol is a welcome refresh throughout the flight – I like rosewater which is naturally moisturising but there are plenty of products out there.
Dress for your origin, not your destination – Yes it’s likely hot and sunny where you’re going but it might not be that way for the majority of your journey and it certainly won’t be on the plane. Dress in comfortable layers that allow you to quickly adjust to multiple climates and environments easily. And don’t forget your feet! Don’t wear open toe shoes or sandals – planes can be cold and draughty and one way of being truly uncomfortable is cold feet! Take your most comfy, soft and squidgy shoes. I wear running shoes with a knitted upper – not only are they super lightweight, the knitted upper I’d soft and supportive on my feet and I can slip them on and off easily. They’re like wearing a pair of slippers!
Remind yourself of why you’re doing this – for many, flying is a necessary evil. Changing your mindset can be difficult at times but it can also help. Thinking about the wonder of flying, watching (literally) the world go by, seeing the clouds from a different angle can all change your perception of your experience. Writing a list or imagining all the wonderful things you will see or do whilst away, and reminding yourself of why you’ve been so desperate for a break can all help to reframe and see your situation differently.
Consider carefully where you want to sit on the plane – yes it’s essentially a big long tube full of identical seats, but your comfort and space can be influenced depending on where you physically place yourself. Sitting above or anywhere forward of the wings will provide a much more stable experience, where turbulence is felt far less. Whilst most planes this summer will be rammed to the rafters, sitting towards the rear may give you a greater chance of nabbing a spare seat as it’s seen as planes tend to fill up from the front! Checking sites like Seatguru will also show you if any seats don’t recline, don’t have a window (yes it happens!) or any other unusual nuances.
