What happens if I panic on a plane?

Flight attendants will be skilled in helping you take your mind off the anxiety. They'll ask you all about where your from, what you do, what your family is like, where you're going, what you'll do there- they'll ask you to tell stories, describe things that you like, and remind you that everything is going to be okay.



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This article discusses some strategies for managing panic attacks on a plane, including:
  1. Taking medication for panic attacks.
  2. Using visualization.
  3. Practicing relaxation techniques.
  4. Finding healthy distractions.
  5. Taking classes to combat fear of flying.
  6. Seeking support from other fliers.
  7. Thinking realistically.


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People who have panic attacks are often susceptible to faulty or negative thinking that can contribute to symptoms and fears. 9 Even if you feel fearful, try to remind yourself that thousands of flights are traveling safely. Reassure yourself that you too will make it to your destination safely.

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Severe turbulence can cause a plane to drop so suddenly that pilots temporarily lose control. But, again, that's not enough to crash the plane. That's not to say it's never happened. In 1966, human error and turbulence combined to bring a plane down over Mount Fuji.

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Turbulence is unavoidable. It's experienced on almost every flight to some degree (usually light). Just remember that modern aircraft are put through extreme testing that puts the aircraft to its limits in conditions far worse than any turbulence could produce.

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Medication is sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis to treat the symptoms of a flying phobia, such as anxiety and nausea. These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).

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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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During the flight, distract yourself When we're really, really anxious, we can't think straight, says Marques. The key is to try to connect to your rational, thinking brain. When we really focus on thinking, like doing a math problem, our emotional brain calms down.

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When an aircraft experiences turbulence, the plane can drop or change altitude suddenly. This is why pilots always caution passengers to buckle up and stay seated when they are experiencing flight turbulence. The sudden movements put passengers at risk.

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At times like this, pilots will slow to a designated “turbulence penetration speed” to ensure high-speed buffet protection (don't ask) and prevent damage to the airframe. We can also request higher or lower altitudes, or ask for a revised routing.

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Winter has strong winds and blizzards, and summer's hot heat can create unstable air, thunderstorms, and tropical storms. That means flying during the holidays often means more turbulence than other times of the year. So if possible, avoid flying between December and February or June and August for a smoother flight.

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Pilots know that flying safely in threatening turbulence requires slowing to VA, the maneuvering speed. This assures that the airplane will stall before its limit load factor can be exceeded. Such a stall is momentary and protects the structure against damaging loads.

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Routes with the Most Turbulence
  • New York to London.
  • Seoul to Dallas.
  • Flying into certain airports near the equator. There are certain airports which are located close to the equator which means frequent thunderstorms, especially in certain seasons. ...
  • Flying into Reno, Nevada. ...
  • London to South Africa.


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While turbulence can feel scary, airplanes are designed to withstand massive amounts of it. A plane cannot be flipped upside-down, thrown into a tailspin, or otherwise flung from the sky by even the mightiest gust or air pocket, wrote pilot Patrick Smith on his site, AskThePilot.com.

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While pilots can't actually see turbulence, they often know what is coming up, thanks to reports from other planes, weather reports, and radar equipment. However, clear air turbulence (severe turbulence occurring in cloudless areas) can sometimes catch pilots off guard.

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It is completely normal to be scared of flying, but it's not as bad as you would think. It should be stated initially and clearly that accidents involving aircraft are extremely rare.

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What causes aerophobia?
  • News stories about terrorism, crashes or violence on airplanes.
  • Take-off and landing.
  • Thoughts about fire or illness spreading through the plane.
  • Turbulence (bumps during the flight).


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There have been a number of cases in which planes have fallen from the sky — from factors that include catastrophic failure and sabotage.

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