According to Deutsche Welle, different people turn to the German Center for Combatting Aerophobia (Deutsches Flugangst-Zentrum) in Düsseldorf. The youngest participant in the training was 10 years old, the oldest was 78. But according to experts, Germans aged 30 to 40 most often suffer from stress and are most interested in getting rid of the obsessive state of aerophobia. After all, such people often have to fly on business trips.
Some airlines are understanding of passengers' aerophobia. Lufthansa, for example, does not charge for returning purchased tickets if a passenger suddenly panics on the eve of the flight. True, this rule only applies with a doctor's certificate. Well, what if you don't want or feel awkward to see a doctor? For those who want to get rid of pre-flight fear on their own, experts at the center for combatting aerophobia have prepared a selection of tips.
Start without stress
Minimize stress before the flight. If possible, check in online the day before, print your boarding passes at home, and get to the airport by taxi or express train. Try to travel without luggage: with carry-on luggage you won't have to arrive early and stand in long lines. Get a good night's sleep and rest before the flight.
Choose your seat
The most comfortable seats in the aircraft cabin are in the front part and near the wings. There, passengers feel less turbulence and turns. On the official websites of airlines, there are aircraft seating charts where you can find out where the most comfortable seats are located.
For example, if you are flying on an Airbus A320, it is better to sit in rows 8-15; on a Boeing 737-800, choose rows 12 to 18. And do not sit in the rear part of the cabin: you might get airsick there.
Dress comfortably
Tightly fastened ties and buttoned collars are not compatible with long flights. The same goes for narrow bracelets, rings, and watches. Choose comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring an inflatable neck pillow.
Trust the professionals
Do not be afraid to tell the flight attendants about your fear. If possible, meet the pilot. When boarding the plane, tell the stewardesses about it; maybe they will allow you to enter the cockpit for at least a few minutes. According to psychologists, during this time you will get an impression of the commander of the aircraft and verify his professionalism.
Have fun and distract yourself
During long flights, you will be offered movies or music on board. But it is better to take care of entertainment yourself: make a playlist of your favorite songs, bring an interesting book or a tablet with games. Experts consider audiobooks to be an ideal option.
Drink more fluids
Try to drink as much still water or juice as possible, because the air in the cabin is very dry. A glass of champagne in honor of the start of a long-awaited vacation also won't hurt. Just do not regard alcohol as a means to combat fear. Do not overdo it with strong drinks on the plane either.
Don't stay seated
Who said you have to sit all the time on a plane? Walk around the cabin, rise on your tiptoes, do a few bends in different directions. Such exercises help restore blood circulation. If you are shy about stretching in front of other passengers, rotate your feet and hands while sitting in your seat, straighten your back and relax your shoulders.
Find a conversation partner
If panic still begins to overcome you, try to start a conversation with a flight attendant or a passenger sitting in the next seat. It is better to directly state that you have a fear of flying and find it difficult to overcome. Perhaps the new acquaintance (male or female) will tell you something interesting and distract you from frightening fantasies.
Forget about medication
It is better to avoid strong anti-stress drugs during the flight. These medications may work differently at altitude than on the ground. Remember: fear of flying is not a disease that needs to be treated with medication. Psychologists advise paying attention to homeopathic remedies, which are not addictive and are sold without a prescription at any pharmacy.
Learn the technical details
If all the above tips do not help, then later, on the ground, you need to understand how airplanes actually fly. You can watch documentaries or go to a special center with flight simulators. After such training, during the flight you will stop being disturbed by strange sounds during takeoff. You will learn that turbulence and a go-around during landing are standard situations that do not endanger your life.
Have a happy flight!