The aeroplane is officially the safest means of transport in the world, yet despite this there are still many people who hesitate before stepping through the door of these giants of the air. From those who are simply afraid of finding themselves “up in the clouds” to those who flatly refuse to try the experience at all, the relationship between people and aeroplanes is not the easiest, so much so that in some cases the word “aerophobia” has to be used.
In this article, we try to offer a few useful tips for fighting the fear of flying and so enjoying one of the most fascinating experiences of all!

Knowledge is always a good thing

An old Chinese sage maintained that, to defeat an enemy, you must first study him thoroughly. Let us try to apply this maxim to our own field of interest.
Why not try to learn, even in broad outline, how an aeroplane works, what its distinctive parts are and what critical situations it might be involved in?
Once you have understood in some detail what turbulence is and why it need cause no concern, you will be able to push negative thoughts aside and consequently face the flight more calmly. What is more, the history of aviation is full of twists and turns and genuinely interesting curiosities, so it is an excellent way of combining business with pleasure. In short, understanding the differences between an Airbus aircraft and one built by Boeing could be far more absorbing than it seems!

Slow and steady wins the race

Preaching calm is always an excellent thing, whatever the context. When you go to a university exam, a job interview or a conference at which you are a speaker, judging your timings well and arriving early is the wisest move.
If you are afraid of flying, the advice is: get to the airport even earlier than necessary.
This will allow you to avoid any rushing and to complete every stage without anxiety or deadlines, from check-in to security checks and finally boarding.
It may seem a superfluous or not very useful suggestion, but it actually helps develop the right “mindset”. Moreover, in the airport duty-free shops, as in the restaurants and various cafés, you can distract yourself with some last-minute purchases, perhaps flicking through a magazine or glancing at the menus.
Finally, sit down and notice the expressions on the faces of the people passing by: you will read in them a feeling of calm, tranquillity or excitement for the journey ahead.

The magic of a book or a film

How many times have we heard about the beneficial effects of a good read, especially in these fast-paced times? Well, here is another reason to reach for a good book: waiting for a flight.

For those who are afraid of taking a plane in particular, it is important that the mind be as occupied or distracted as possible.
And the story in a book, perhaps a gripping detective novel, can serve that purpose perfectly.

Or a film or a mini-series: it is time to get out tablets and laptops and enjoy what the screen has to offer. Obviously, be careful what you choose to watch: rule out adrenaline, action and anything that might cause agitation. Open your device, make yourself comfortable in your seat and calmly wait for the ground staff to open boarding for the flight.
Another excellent solution may be a travel magazine or, better still, reading the guidebook to your destination: imagination and the pleasure of anticipation will gently dispel every kind of worry.

Turbulence? No problem!

How many of you are frightened at the thought of meeting turbulence or bad weather en route?
At the first slight vibration caused by an air current, the mind immediately conjures up scenes from a film.

It can happen that an aircraft at high altitude meets areas of turbulence or instability, but this is perfectly normal:
aeroplanes are designed to withstand far more extreme events.
In any case, the important thing to do is to keep your seat belt fastened at all times and follow the crew’s instructions, with complete peace of mind.

The fear of flying is irrational in origin, even though the aeroplane has always been synonymous with safety.
Daily and periodic checks, laid down by international bodies, go hand in hand with the growth of scientific knowledge and the introduction of new instruments. The work carried out by the best engineers and consultants in close contact with the major manufacturers has made it possible to build the most sophisticated software to ensure an ever more reliable service and one that, in terms of environmental impact, is more ecologically minded.

A fundamental tool we have on our side is information, and we can use it to defeat our fears.

Trust in experience and professionalism

When you go to the dentist or call a technician to repair a fault at home, you put yourself in the hands of a professional with experience and expertise to their name. Well, the same applies to those who work and spend so much time aboard an aircraft.

In short, trust the cabin crew and the officers on the flight deck: their CVs are packed with flying hours and international certifications. They have crossed the skies of the whole world in every kind of situation and truly represent excellence.

All the staff are optimally trained to deal with every possible eventuality, even the most remote. You need only look at the expressions of the stewards and hostesses to appreciate the calm and serenity in their eyes.

Once you have taken your seat (by the way, choose the window to enjoy truly unforgettable views), put your fear aside and, if you think it appropriate, talk to the cabin crew, so as to make your travel experience as rewarding as possible.

Why choose a Guiness Travel Tour

For us at Guiness, a journey is a wonderful frame of life.
Our aim is not to “show” places, but to accompany travellers as they immerse themselves fully in the culture and beauty of their chosen destination.

All our itineraries are 100% independently planned, carefully designed and tested for over 30 years, thus allowing the product to evolve constantly, reaching a high, wide-ranging cultural level and guaranteeing maximum comfort in the services on the ground.

This is why we created the Guiness Exclusive Tour:
a unique travel experience, mindful of sustainability and rich in experiences, designed to give you maximum comfort, leaving you free to think of nothing but enjoying the moment.

Every one of our trips comes with guaranteed extras:

  • Tour leader departing from Italy and accompanying the group for the whole duration of the tour
  • Exclusive departures with a limited number of places
  • Departures possible from all over Italy
  • 24-hour assistance on every departure
  • Cancellation without penalty up to 45 actual days before departure
  • No surprise extra costs on arrival
  • Free minibar service on board the coaches (guaranteed in all the countries visited)

Click here and discover all the exclusive Guiness Travel itineraries



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Guiness Travel T.O.