Everyone loves a vacation, but the hassles of getting there and back are another story altogether. Airports can be stressful, expensive, and uncomfortable. Improve your airport anxiety before and after the journey with these airport tips.
The following article highlights how you can handle the stress of being at the airport. It will also help you calm down before you board the flight.
Let’s get flying!
Pre-Airport Arrival Anxiety Management Strategies
The following list is one strategy that has helped me stay calm before boarding my flights over the years. Hopefully, these will help you, too!
- Deep breaths before you board the flight. Yes, this one is quite common all over the internet, but it works.
- Plan and do not keep things to the last minute. It is also one of the best ways to not increase airport anxiety. This will help you feel in control.
- Use web check-in so you are not stressed about reaching the airport 2-3 hours before take-off.
- Choose your clothes beforehand so you are comfortable, and have that task checked away beforehand.
- Pack well in advance to not miss anything and avoid the stress of wondering how you’ll manage without it.
- Avoid airport anxiety by skipping on that caffeine and reaching for that bottle of water instead.
- Download your favourite podcast or show; you can even listen to calming music, such as white noise or rain sounds, to fight airport anxiety.
These are some of the pre-airport rituals that can save you from being under stress before you fly out.
Reasons You’re Under Stress While Even Thinking of Flying!
Before I developed my pre-airport routine, I used to get very anxious about flying. I would lose sleep weeks before the actual flight. That gave me terrible anxiety and made me feel terrible about the idea.
Taking the train means I have to spend extra days commuting, which can tax my work schedule. So, I found that addressing the cause helped me calm my nerves better than anything!
So, I guess this should work for you, too! The best way to get airport anxiety under control is to address the cause directly – be it the turbulence or the idea of flying above the ground. Claustrophobia was the reason for me, but I managed to get it under control after constant practice.
Similarly, you can also control your fear with the help of a few tips that can help you. It may be deep breathing (which works for me) or imagining a calming scene that helps you avoid anxiety efficiently.
Here are some other reasons why you may be having airport anxiety:
- Reading stories about terrorism, plane crashes, violence, or hijacking are some of the common reasons why you may be having anxiety about flying.
- Lack of control can make certain people feel anxious about flying.
- Hearing scary stories about flying
- Travelling during a stressful time, such as during a health scare, is another one of the reasons why you may not feel like flying.
Tips to Combat Airport Anxiety – How to Tackle It Efficiently!
These are some of the ways you can reduce anxiety by forming your own pre-airport or in-airport routine:
1. Drive Yourself
Don’t bother calling a cab the night before or stress out staring at a dot on a map for your Uber to arrive. A new transportation model gives you access to affordable airport parking that also gives you the convenience and familiarity of driving your car to the airport.
Reserving your parking spot is easy; all you need to do is board the free shuttle to your terminal.
Such an approach is already gaining steam and can be found at over 75 major airports in North America. Save up to $200 per booking and enjoy not relying on someone else for transport.
2. Dress Appropriately
You’ll want to dress suitably for a flight, especially if it’s a long one. Don’t wear tight, restrictive clothing. Soft, comfortable pants and shirts are ideal. Don’t wear clunky boots that don’t breathe.
There are companies out there that make clothes and gear designed for commuting. They’re a great investment, and you’ll probably love using them for years, whether traveling or on a trip downtown.
You can probably find comfortable clothing that you already own. Just be mindful of what you’re wearing when it comes to travel.
3. Pack Strategically
Pack hacks are something every veteran traveller knows. You may be able to sidestep extra baggage charges if you fit all you’ll need for the trip in your carry-on luggage. You’ll also save time waiting for the baggage carousel.
However, take care not to pack prohibited items in your carry-on luggage! They could be confiscated. If you’re unsure what you are and are not allowed to fly with, check it out before your trip.
4. Pack A Healthy Snack
Airports are a sealed-off environment. The food is typically more expensive because they know that if you’re hungry, where else will you eat?
You can pack your favourite food to ensure you have the meal of your choice for a price that’s probably substantially lower.
You may not need a full meal for short flights, but you can bring your favourite snacks.
Don’t bring a multi-course meal that’s impractical to eat on a flight! Your favourite sandwich and some fruits are a perfect option.
You don’t want an unwieldy mess on your hands when you’re seated on a crowded plane when the seatbelt sign is on.
5. Visualize Your Trip
This is one of the most effective tips to eliminate your airport anxiety! You can visualize the trip to help calm your nerves as you’ll be aware of the road you’ll be taking or the accommodation you’ll be staying at.
Once on the plane, you can take your mind away from the stressor around you – the turbulence or the number of people. Whatever it is, turn them off with just one simple thought.
You can consult a professional if it does not resolve with mindfulness practices or distraction. It may indicate the need for medications.
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about airport anxiety and how you can bring it under control with the help of simple tips. These can become a part of your everyday list of things to do.
One of the ironies about flying is the journey itself involves soaring through the sky, which is freedom incarnate, but getting to and from the airport is a real slog.
Remember these tips and follow all health recommendations for where you’re going to and heading from, and your next flight will be a breeze.
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