Flying at Short Notice
2 min read
The short answer
You don't need weeks to get ready. When a flight is a day or two away, a few things help most: learn what bumps and sounds mean, practise slow breathing, pack a small comfort kit and tell the crew you're nervous. If the trip itself is stressful, your fear may feel louder. That's stress, not a sign about the flight.
When There's No Time to Prepare
Sometimes a flight comes up suddenly. Someone you love is unwell, work calls, or plans change overnight. The flight plan starts a month ahead, but you don't need a month. If your flight is a day or two away, start here.
Why the Fear May Feel Louder
If the trip is for a worrying reason, your stress is already high before you reach the airport. Your brain's alarm system doesn't sort worries into neat boxes. Worry about home and worry about the flight add up.
So the fear may feel bigger this time. That's stress, not a sign about the flight.
The Five Things That Help Most
1. Read two short articles. Learn why turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous, and what the normal sounds mean. Fewer surprises means less fear.
2. Practise slow breathing tonight. Breathe in for four… hold for four… out for six. A few rounds now make it easier to use on board. Try the breathing tool.
3. Pack a small comfort kit. Headphones, something downloaded to watch or listen to, water and a snack.
4. Open AviEase once with internet. Avi and the breathing tool then keep working in flight mode.
5. Tell the crew as you board. "I'm a nervous flyer" is all it takes. Read what to say.
What to Skip
- Alcohol. It relaxes you briefly, but anxiety often returns stronger as it wears off.
- Checking apps and the news again and again. Each check brings brief relief, then the doubt comes back.
On the Day
Leave plenty of time, so you aren't rushing. Take the airport one step at a time. If panic rises, follow your panic plan: name it, breathe out slowly and let it pass.
Be Gentle With Yourself
You're doing something hard, at short notice, perhaps on a hard day. You don't need to feel calm to fly. You only need to take the next small step.
The Takeaway
Even with no time to prepare, a few simple tools go a long way. Learn what to expect, breathe slowly, tell the crew, and take it one step at a time.
Sources
- NHS Every Mind Matters, Stress — stress can leave you feeling anxious and on edge: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/
- NHS Every Mind Matters, Anxiety — breathing exercises and other self-help tips: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/anxiety/
- Mentour Pilot, Use Medications, Alcohol to Control Flight Anxiety?: https://mentourpilot.com/use-medications-alcohol-to-control-flight-anxiety/
- Kobori, O. & Salkovskis, P. M. (2013), Patterns of reassurance seeking and reassurance-related behaviours in OCD and anxiety disorders, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22948342/
Keep reading
How to Prepare for a Flight When You're Anxious
A step-by-step guide for the days before, the morning of and the hours at the airport — to ease the worry before you fly.
Panic on a Plane: A Step-by-Step Plan
A simple, calm plan for the moment panic rises on a plane — what to do minute by minute, and why the feeling always passes.
Telling the Crew You're Nervous: What to Say
A simple script for letting the cabin crew know you're anxious, why you never need to feel embarrassed, and why pressing the call button is always okay.