Is it normal to have anxiety before a flight?

If you're scared to fly, like yours truly, then you've probably dealt with some degree of anticipatory anxiety. And remember: pre-flight anxiety is normal. Our minds sometimes go off in wild and scary directions without us having any control over our thoughts.



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Distract yourself
Reading a book or listening to a good podcast can refocus your mind and attention. Distracting yourself from the fact that you are flying can be a great way to keep calm if you're a nervous flyer.. Time tends to pass much more quickly when adequately distracted.

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Flight attendants are trained in first aid – and this covers panic attacks and supporting people with anxiety on a flight. This training includes the questions they should ask someone having a panic attack and how to manage you out of one.

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So many travelers struggle with this fear, so the best way to cope is to find a seat with plenty of space. The least crowded section of the plane is first or business class. But if upgraded flying isn't in your budget there are still options. Try sitting in an aisle seat in an exit row towards the front of the plane.

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Also, if possible, travel with a supportive friend or relative. They can help you work through the anxiety, guide you through relaxation exercises, or simply keep you distracted. Your companion can also help manage details such as checking luggage, which you may feel uncomfortable handling.

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While Xanax may be useful for flying on an airplane, it will not help you with your anxiety. It may help in the moment but you will not tackle your fear of flying if you are asleep the whole flight. If you ran out of your medication or left it at home, the anxiety will still exist if you go on an airplane again.

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Many nervous flyers find that the loud noises of the plane trigger anxious thoughts. You may find it helpful to bring along earplugs to reduce these sounds. You can also bring headphones and listen to your favorite music or a relaxation guide to help you feel calmer.

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If you're a fearful flyer, there are worthwhile techniques to prevent panic the next time you want or need to travel by air.
  1. First, identify what's triggering your fear. ...
  2. Become an air travel expert. ...
  3. Expose yourself to triggers. ...
  4. Distract yourself. ...
  5. Tell a flight attendant you're nervous.


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Flight anxiety medication
  • fluvoxamine (Faverin)
  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • paroxetine (Paxil)


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Xanax, a member of the same pharmaceutical family (benzodiazepines) as diazepam, is a strong one. Take it about two to three hours before you fly, and do not mix it with alcohol. There is a risk of dependency, though, with these benzodiazepines, but only if you are taking them more than once a week.

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If you're taking antihistamines, decongestants, or over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it's important to take your medication at least an hour before your flight so it has time to work before your plane takes off.

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Doctors rarely recommend sleeping tablets for flying for several reasons. Some tablets render you immobile, which would be problematic during an in-flight emergency. Even if you're OK with that small risk, avoid sitting near an emergency exit where you could be responsible for many lives in an emergency.

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recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing. breathlessness at rest. unresolved pneumothorax (punctured lung)

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It can even help you fall asleep during the flight so that it will feel over to you before it is time for takeoff. Doctors normally prescribe their anxiety patients with limited doses of . 25mg-0.5mg. While Xanax may be useful for flying on an airplane, it will not help you with your anxiety.

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You could potentially use a longer-acting medication on a long flight, but he still advises against this. It is better to use something like a short-acting benzodiazepine like Xanax or Ativan, he said. These drugs are typically used for anxiety, but can also help with sleep.

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Create a Sleep Nook
In the window seat, you can recline your seat just enough so you can still look out the window if needed. The seat usually has an adjustable headrest, so using this as a pillow adds a bit of comfort. Also, use the footrest or prop your feet on top of a carry-on bag.

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