Fear Not, Fly On: Tips for a Comfortable and Anxiety-Free Flight

Let's be real—being comfortable on a flight can seem almost impossible. For me, it's not just about the cramped seats and lack of legroom, though those definitely don't help! I've got a pretty intense fear of flying, and as if that wasn't enough, my usual travel buddy is my three-year-old who acts like they're thirty. Fun times, right?

But hey, I love to travel. Seriously. As a travel advisor, it's basically in my blood. And since flying is part of the deal, I've had to figure out some tricks to manage my fears and make the whole experience as comfortable as possible. Trust me, it's been a journey—and not always a smooth one!

Here are a few of my go-to tips to survive, and dare I say, even enjoy a flight:

Tip 1: CBD Oil for Anxiety
One word: CBD. Whether it's prescribed meds or over-the-counter natural options, having something to tame my anxiety is a game-changer. I keep my CBD oil in my carry-on to use as needed. Just a heads-up, though—CBD oil isn't allowed in all destinations, so do your homework beforehand. When I can't bring it, I opt for ashwagandha and magnesium for similar calming effects.

Tip 2: Box Breathing to Calm Down
Box breathing is my tried-and-true technique for those inevitable waves of anxiety that hit—whether it's on the way to the airport, right before boarding, during takeoff, or mid-turbulence. Here's how it works:

• Breathe in, slowly counting to four. Feel your lungs fill with air.
• Hold your breath for four seconds. Seriously, try not to inhale or exhale.
• Slowly exhale through your mouth for four seconds.
• Repeat until you feel re-centered.

It's kind of magical, honestly.

Tip 3: Distractions—a Few of Your Favorite Things
Home comforts can work miracles when you're thousands of feet in the air. I make sure to pack a good book and several hours of classical music to drown out the airplane noises. Wearing my comfiest clothes also helps. The goal is to feel as close to being at home as possible.

Of course, these are just the tricks that work for me. Everyone's different, so you might need to experiment to find what helps you best. There are plenty of online resources and apps designed to combat flight anxiety, so do a bit of research and prep before takeoff!

Safe travels, and remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.

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Nathalie Shanahan

Travel Advisor

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