Why am I so nervous at the airport?

Some people may experience travel anxiety because of negative past travel experiences or because they have an anxiety disorder. Travel anxiety may relate to specific activities, such as driving or flying. It can also involve a general fear of crowds, being unable to leave a space, or the unknown.



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Try Deep Breathing Rinaldi advises deep breathing if you need a calming technique to use in the moment. “While waiting in line or sitting at the gate, take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This can help calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.”

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Don't worry; you are not alone. Airport anxiety is a common condition, and many people suffer from it. The crowd, the stress-inducing procedures, and almost everything around at an airport can trigger anxiety and make your trip unpleasant.

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If you're stressed about an upcoming flight, consider using one or more of the following calming techniques:
  1. Fight fear with knowledge: ...
  2. Practice breathing exercises: ...
  3. Refocus your attention: ...
  4. Strike up a conversation: ...
  5. Drink lots of water:


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People may experience travel anxiety because of the unknown. For example, they may wonder what would happen if they ran out of money, got lost, or became ill. Having a plan in place for worst-case scenarios may help ease these fears.

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Though there's no one cause for travel anxiety, some common ones are fear of flying, fear of crowds, fear of crashing, fear of social interactions, fear of guns, fear of disease (insert Covid here), and, perhaps biggest of all, fear of the unknown and being outside your comfort zone.

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Some people may experience travel anxiety because of negative past travel experiences or because they have an anxiety disorder. Travel anxiety may relate to specific activities, such as driving or flying. It can also involve a general fear of crowds, being unable to leave a space, or the unknown.

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The key symptoms of travel phobia are excessive fear and avoidance of travel situations. These symptoms overlap with those of PTSD. In particular, persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and fear and other negative emotions in response to trauma reminders are common PTSD symptoms.

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People often come to us requesting the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed.

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Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Whether you're going to another country or escaping for a long weekend in a nearby town, traveling can have a strong impact on your mental health.

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How to Handle Travel Stress
  1. Before you check in for your flight, check in with yourself. ...
  2. Pinpoint what is it is about travel that makes you stressed. ...
  3. Make a packing list and check it twice. ...
  4. Download your games and books in advance. ...
  5. Keep yourself sustained by prepping food. ...
  6. Print out important documents before you leave.


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Go With a Buddy Many people with panic disorder have one or more loved ones with whom they feel comfortable and safe. If possible, try to enlist a trusted friend or family member to travel with you. Make sure that your companion is aware of your fears and anxiety.

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There might be a time in your life where you want to ditch the suitcase and the travel guide, and that's OK. We all need a break sometimes. But make sure you also take the time to acknowledge what might be keeping you from it, and do what feels right for you.

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Basically you and the airplane are both in a steady climb and when the aircraft levels off you continue to move up faster so it (via the seatbelt) keeps you at its same level and decelerates your own personal vertical climb. It is just like the feeling you get in a roller coaster.

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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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The sensation of “dropping” comes from the retraction of the flaps and slats. The rate of climb is reduced, causing it to feel like a descent. Q: Flying and cruising altitude and landing, not a problem. Taking off, I'm not so fond of.

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Flying phobia is a highly prevalent anxiety disorder, which causes sufferers significant distress and life interference.

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She told the group what worried her. “I am afraid of dying.” Fear of flying, or aviophobia, is an anxiety disorder.

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Some people fear fire, illness spread through the air system, using the toilets, or violence on a plane. Others have a “bad feeling” about their flight, afraid that their anxieties will somehow predict a catastrophe.

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