How to Deal With a Fear of Flying on Your First International Trip

Everyone around you has a fear or phobia, of something. Some people are afraid of spiders, so people are afraid of clowns or of heights, or in my case Acrophobia – a fear of flying.
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If you are Acrophobic, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, you just need to set your mind right before and during the flight. You need to take some measures to make your first international trip a smooth experience.

First things first, know that this stress, fear and anxiety are all in your head. Therefore, you need to logically make your mind understand that it’s just a trip.
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Here are some important tips, to help calm yourself before an international flight.
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Tip 1: Comfort

Take something on the plane that will comfort you and ease your fears. Read blogs, or talk to people whom recently experienced their first trip; they might be able to tell you something to bring that you never thought of. I always keep chewing gum with me to reduce ear pain while flight is taking off.
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Tip 2: No Layovers

Book a flight that doesn’t have any layovers. I can tell you from the experience that if you take a flight where with a long layover, your stress and anxiety will increase. If it is unavoidable, make sure the layover is not too long and that the airport has amenities to make your layover a little better. Try to avoid any of these airports if you can.
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Tip 3: Calm Down!

Tell yourself to calm down. It’s just a flight and everything is going to be fine. Think of it this way; you are not going to fall out of the sky (planes don’t work that way), the plane won’t going to catch fire, and above all, the plane is not going to crash.

The noises you hear before takeoff and landing are supposed to happen. Another way to calm yourself down is to swap your wine with the green tea to reduce your stress and anxiety level.
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I encourage you to compile some facts about flight to turn your fear around.
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Tip 4: Bring a Toy

Take some stress relieving plush toys with you. Squeezing a rubber toy is far better than biting off your nails. If you like movies and games, try to download your favorite your phone or laptop and watch it throughout the flight. This will divert your attention and calm you down.
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Tip 5: Bring a Book

Carry some books with you onto the plane.  Never forget to keep your favorite books with you on an international trip. If you feel overwhelmed, just open a book and start living in another realm.
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Tip 6: Sleep

Ask the host to bring you a pillow. Sleep most of the time if you can, so that your mind doesn’t dwell on your fear. I know it can be difficult to sleep with so little space, but some shuteye will help you refresh your mind and give you the energy to deal with the rest of the flight.
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Tip 7: Have Fun!

You’re aboard an international flight! Just remind yourself of what you have to look forward to! Tell yourself that you’re overcoming your fear just to reach your destination and if you panic now you’d be wasting your hard work. That’s an accomplishment!
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So dear readers, I hope the above measures will be beneficial for you and may they succeed in lowering or if possible, eliminating your stress on your next international flight. Relax, and don’t let your fears get the best of you.
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About the Author

Erica Silva

Erica Silva is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs.

Find her on Twitter: @silvaderica

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