Best Airlines For Anxiety

In this blog we will discuss what are the Best Airlines for Anxiety? How do airlines work with air travel Anxiety? We will discuss what is air travel Anxiety and it’s symptoms.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 6.5 percent of the population in the United States has aviophobia (fear of flight), and about 25% have anxiety related to flying.

Fear of falling, fear of being out of control, fear of the unknown, fear of heights, having lost a loved one in a plane accident, and feeling claustrophobic are some of the main reasons why some people are afraid to travel. Additionally, some people are bothered by the whole travel experience, including airport procedures, crowds, turbulence, unappealing food, cramped space, and long flights.

Best Airlines For Anxiety

Below is the list of Best Airlines for Anxiety:

What is Anxiety and it’s symptoms?

Your body’s normal reaction to stress is anxiety. It’s a sense of dread or foreboding for what’s to come. Most people are afraid and anxious on the first day of school, going to a job interview, or delivering a speech.

increased heart rate
rapid breathing
restlessness
trouble concentrating
difficulty falling asleep

What is fear of flight?

Aviophobia is the fear of flight. People who suffer from aviophobia have a strong, ongoing fear of flight that is far more than a passing feeling of unease.

According to a 2014 YouGov poll, a third of Americans admitted to being mildly nervous about travelling, and 16% said they were afraid to fly.

Flying phobia is fairly general, but nearly 20% of the population claims that it interferes with their work and social lives. Fearful fliers often skip vacations and promotions because they are afraid of flying. Fear of flying is divided into three categories by experts.

Those who don’t fly or haven’t flown for more than five years despite the opportunity to do so.
Those who fly only when absolutely necessary with extreme terror.
Those who fly when required, but with anxiety.

What causes Aviophobia?

The heavy media coverage of aeroplane crashes is one aspect that has exacerbated people’s fear of flight. Images of an aeroplane accident on TV or in the newspaper may sway one’s opinion about air travel’s safety without ever knowing the true danger involved.

Long lines, body scans, and X-ray scanners are all examples of airport security measures that can make certain people feel anxious.

Fear may also be the product of a bad experience in the past, such as a flight with extreme air turbulence.

Does Aviophobia happen as a result of related phobias?

Often, a fear of flying is not due to the flying itself but stems from related factors, such as:

a fear of being in an enclosed space (claustrophobia)
a fear of crowds (enochlophobia)
a fear of heights (acrophobia)
a fear of hijacking or terrorism

What are the symptoms of Aviophobia?

People can experience the following physical symptoms before and during a flight, regardless of the cause of their fear:

sweating
heart palpitations
shortness of breath
shaking
nausea
dizziness
clouded thinking
Irritability

What is the criteria of diagnosis of Aviophobia?

Aviophobia, or the fear of flight, is classified as a particular phobia in the DSM IV. This disorder’s clinical diagnosis necessitates the following:

When a phobic stimulus is presented, an anxiety response is almost always elicited almost immediately.
The reaction may be a situationally predisposed or situationally bound panic attack. Despite the fact that the sufferer recognises the fear reaction as irrational.
The stimulus is generally avoided, though it is sometimes feared.
Only if the avoidance, anxiety, or nervous expectation of meeting the phobic stimuli greatly interferes with the person’s daily routine, occupational functioning, or social life, or if the person is clearly distressed about having the phobia, is the diagnosis acceptable.
Symptoms in children under the age of 18 must last for at least 6 months.
There is no better reason for the anxiety, panic attacks, or phobic avoidance that comes with it, such as OCD, PTSD, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, and so on.

What are the tricks to beat flight Anxiety?

Below is the list of tricks to beat Flight Anxiety:

Stay centered

Breathe deeply for four counts, and then release for six.

Find a focus

Cross your ankles and cross your hands in front of your chest. Breathe deeply while resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

Eliminate stressful distractions

Lower the window shade so you’re not distracted with moving elements.

Anticipate your anxiety

Do mindfulness and meditation exercises daily a week or two before a flight.

Be prepared with soothing elements

Find things that help you stay focused and less anxious. Find music that is soothing. Pack snacks that you enjoy but also make you feel good. Stay away from things with sugar, which is a stimulant.

Remove other influencers

Aviphobia may increase when general anxiety is heightened. It may be helpful to remove additional anxiety-inducing elements, such as caffeine, energy drinks, and any other stimulants.

Locate your fear

Do you fear a loss of control? Is it a fear of death? Is it claustrophobia? Different triggers require different things to help soothe them. If facts about aviation safety will make you feel better, read up on those before boarding. If claustrophobia is a trigger, talk to your airline about boarding early or getting an aisle seat.

Release the fear

Many people with flight fears also have control issues. Think about releasing control of the situation to the pilot, a trained professional with thousands of hours of flight time.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

Best Airlines For Anxiety

Below is the description of Best Airline for Anxiety:

JetBlue

With DIRECTV service, all JetBlue flights have access to over 35 live streaming channels. In addition, the carrier provides free food, cold and hot drinks, and alcohol can be purchased if you need to unwind with a glass of wine. The airline’s free fleetwide Wi-Fi adds to the distractions, making it ideal for nervous flyers. Economy fares include one carry-on bag and one personal object, making it one of the safest airlines.

Virgin Atlantic

A nervous flyer, as previously said, needs diversions during his or her flight. Virgin Atlantic has plenty to keep you distracted from the fact that you’re 39,000 feet in the air. There are meals and snacks included, as well as Wi-Fi and top-notch in-flight entertainment. Additionally, when you board, you will be given a small amenity pack. Before you even get on the plane, you’ll forget you’re on it. Virgin’s cheapest transatlantic fares are called “Economy Light” and only include one standard-sized carry-on and a personal item. Virgin is rated as one of the safest airlines.

Emirates

Emirates is good for a nervous flyer. You would not want to land with over 3,000 entertainment channels on your seatback screen. Emirates has an amenity package that includes meals, and you may be able to persuade a flight attendant to give you one of the toys they have on board for kids if you ask nicely. If you just want to splurge, go first class and get your own personal suite. They frequently offer companion rates, making travelling even more affordable if you want to bring someone along to help you relax. One free checked bag and a regular carry-on are included with economy tickets.

All Nippon Airways

ANA has you covered when it comes to luxury. You’ll wonder why you didn’t book your trip sooner as you click away on the LCD seatback touchscreen, and with the slide-forward seats that provide extra privacy. If you’re worried about not being able to pack all you want, you’re in luck: Two checked luggage, one carry-on, and one personal item are included in the economy.

Air France

If you fly with Air France, you’ll have plenty of legroom, a personal video screen, and a cocktail to begin your meal (or Champagne, if you so desire). Simply lie back, sip your drink, and watch one of the many movies available, and you’ll feel as though you’ve never left your living room. The majority of nonstop flights from the United States fly to Paris, from where you can connect to a variety of international destinations. Basic Economy is often the cheapest option, as it only allows for one carry-on and one personal object.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is the airline for you if disorganisation is one of the reasons you haven’t taken the flight to your dream destination. They have a USB port built right into the seatback TV screen, as well as special amenity storage for your tablet, pen, and glasses. Their in-flight entertainment is extensive, and your nutritious meal, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables, will not disappoint. Economy fares include two checked bags, one carry-on, and one personal item, and are classified as one of the safest airlines.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America merged in 2018, and with both airlines having made best-airline lists in the past, you can feel safe aboard. Another benefit of the post-merger change is that Alaska’s route list has grown significantly, so you’ll have plenty of options. When it comes to distractions, you have a power outlet next to your seat where you can charge your tablet or laptop when watching free movies and TV. While munching on free snacks, you can also use the inflight Wi-Fi. Their economy fares include one carry-on bag and one personal object, making them one of the safest airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines

When it comes to customer care, Hawaiian Airlines is at the top of the list. You’ll have in-flight movies, and for $8, you can sip Mai Tais while cruising around the Pacific. Snacks and amenities are available for purchase from their Pau Hana Cart. Their economy fares include free meals, in-flight entertainment, one carry-on bag, and one personal item. They are rated as one of the safest airlines.

Qatar

Fly nonstop to Doha or make a pit stop there on your way to another venue. If a long layover worries you, Qatar provides free city tours in between flights. If you choose Qatar as your airline of choice for your Middle Eastern holiday, you can’t go wrong. It was named the best airline by Business Insider in 2017. Top-of-the-line inflight entertainment with over 4,000 options, power outlets, USB plugs, and Wi-Fi on many flights, as well as your amenity package, will ensure a worry-free flight. Qatar Economy, like ANA, requires two checked luggage, one carry-on, and one personal item per passenger.

Swiss International

After your trip on Swiss International, you’ll be singing from the mountain tops. You’ll be happy to eat all of the chocolate you can get your hands on thanks to in-flight Wi-Fi, seatback video screens, and convenient seats. From six U.S. cities, nonstop flights to Zurich are available, as well as connections to a number of other destinations.

FAQs Best Airlines For Anxiety

Can flight attendants help with anxiety?

Flight attendants may be trained in what is called Mental Health First Aid and have the tools available to help you work through a mental health crisis like a panic attack or an anxiety attack.

How can I stop panic attacks when flying?

Following tips can help to stop panic attacks when flying:
Stay calm, but acknowledge the other person’s anxiety. It’s important to stay calm yourself, but at the same time, don’t be dismissive of the person’s anxiety, he says.
Have them talk to a flight attendant.
Distract them.
Try to help them relax.
Come at them with facts.

Conclusion

In this article we have discussed air flight and it’s symptoms. We have talked about best airlines for Anxiety and strategies to cope with air flight anxiety.