While prepping for a long-haul flight overseas, do you grin with excitement at the opportunity or wince with terror at the thought of hurtling through space on a metal aircraft, hoping you make it to the other side? Someone on a website asked for advice regarding overcoming their fear of airplanes as they approach their 12-hour flight from Germany to Korea.

1. Sit Next to a Window

Man terrified in flight — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When seated next to a window, you don’t have to worry about carts knocking your elbows off your armrest or anyone climbing over you to get to the bathrooms. Open the window and peer into the sky, or close it and lay a pillow on the surface for some shut-eye.

2. Sit Near the Wings

Woman siting next to plane wings — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

For anxious flyers affected by heavy turbulence, opt to sit near the middle of the plane or over the wings. The mid-section remains stable throughout most of the flight, and turbulence does not affect those near the wings as much as the flyers in the back of the plane.

3. Bring a Towel

Sleeping in flight covered with blanket — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A frequent flyer dishes her advice for maintaining composure and comfort while flying.

“I always pack one of those quick dry towels that can fit inside a pocket. It works as a towel, extra blanket, head cover, cape,” she states.

4. Bring Slippers and Compression Socks

Man wearing compression socks — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You want to maximize comfort while cruising from one country to the next. Nothing is worse than boarding a long flight and dealing with painful legs. Make sure to stretch before you board the flight, and invest in a handy pair of compression socks to mitigate swelling and blood clots.

5. Neck Pillow

Woman with neck pillow in flight — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In addition to a nice pair of compression socks, invest in a comfortable neck pillow. Try it out before purchasing it because you don’t want to sleep on something that hurts your neck. Using a neck pillow provides comfort and relieves tension.

6. Noise-canceling Headphones

Woman in flight using laptop — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

On a plane, you have screaming children, angry passengers, and constant announcements from flight attendants. If you’re already anxious about the flight, the nonstop barrage of noise doesn’t help. Bring your favorite pair of noise-canceling headphones and tune out the ruckus.

7. Download Podcasts, Music, or Movies

Woman using ipad in flight — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Utilize those noise-canceling headphones to your advantage with soothing podcasts, music, or your favorite movies or television shows. Before boarding, download selected media to your phone, iPad, computer, etc., to ease your travel worries.

8. Bring Snacks

Woman in flight eating — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Who doesn’t love snacking when stressed? My favorite on-flight snacks are pretzels, gummi bears, and chocolate. Also, bring gum to help pop your ears. Some flights sell snacks on board, but you will save a lot of money and headaches if you pre-plan your snack menu.

9. Stay Hydrated

Woman drinking water inside flight — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Bring plenty of water on the plane, and hydrate well before boarding.

“You don’t have to go crazy. I aim for 1L every 3 hours (I’m a big guy). It’s a good balance between feeling good and having to get up to the bathroom too much,” a traveler replies.

10. Talk to Your Doctor

Woman with doctor — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If your anxiety breaches a manageable level, it may be time to get a doctor involved. Speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms and fear of flying for medical ways to deal with the terror. They might prescribe a sleeping aid or an anti-anxiety medication.

Source: Reddit.

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