What is turbulence exactly?
Turbulence in a plane is a kind of movement or shaking you might feel during the flight. It happens when the plane encounters different air currents or weather conditions, such as when air of varying temperatures or speeds meets. While it might feel a bit unsettling, turbulence is normal and usually not dangerous. Planes are designed to handle it, and pilots are well-trained to navigate safely through turbulence.
A plane doesn’t just fly in empty space; even if you can’t see the air currents, they are definitely there. Think of it like a boat on water. Water doesn’t have a fixed shape and can range from calm and smooth to choppy and rough, depending on factors like wind and temperature. If there are multiple currents in the water, such as wind from different directions, your boat will move around. This is similar to what happens in a plane during turbulence. Although you can’t see the air currents beneath the plane, they’re there and can vary, affecting how the plane moves. Just like a boat adjusts to water movements, a plane adjusts to air currents.
What seat should you choose?
If you have a fear of flying, seats in the middle of the plane might be a smart choice. In a plane with two rows of three seats, the middle aisle seats are often best, and in larger planes with three rows, the middle seats in the center of the aircraft are ideal. These seats are closer to the plane’s center of gravity, which means you’ll feel fewer of the fluctuations caused by the wings moving up and down. The closer you are to the middle of the plane, the more stable your flight will feel, which can help reduce your anxiety.
Additionally, choosing a seat towards the front of the plane, as far forward as possible, can offer a psychological boost: you’ll be closer to the pilot, who is in control of the flight. Knowing you’re near the person making decisions based on advanced technology and their own experience can provide a sense of safety and reassurance.
We also know that these are often the most expensive seats. But don’t panic, there’s more.
If you’re struggling with fear of flying, seats near the wings can make your flight much more comfortable. These seats are closer to the plane’s center of gravity and generally experience less movement during turbulence. The pilot has an excellent view of air currents and turbulence and can effectively manage these, especially with the wings crucial for the plane’s stability. Being closer to the wings means you’re closer to the point where the pilot stabilizes the flight, which can enhance your feeling of safety and control.
You’re not alone
You’re not alone if you have a fear of flying. This article is based on personal experiences, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone on the plane either. The crew is not only there to help with safety instructions or serve your food; they are also there to support you if you’re feeling anxious. If you’re particularly tense before your flight, let the staff know during boarding. Don’t hide your fear like the life vests under the seats; you don’t need to be embarrassed. They deal with all kinds of situations and can help by offering distractions or just checking in on you. Asking questions is always free, and believe us, they get all sorts of questions every day.
Let time fly by
Sleeping can be a great way to alleviate fear of flying since time literally flies by while you sleep. Of course, falling asleep is much harder when you’re anxious, and we get that. One option is to talk to your doctor about your fear of flying. There are mild medications that can help you feel calmer and sleep better during your flight. We’re not doctors and don’t offer medical advice, but it’s definitely worth seeking professional guidance. Follow your doctor’s advice, and your long flight might become a lot more pleasant.
Create some time awareness
A long flight can seem daunting, but you can make it much easier by breaking it into smaller chunks. An hour feels manageable, two hours is still doable, but eight hours? That feels endless. Make it more manageable by thinking in smaller blocks. For example, a movie lasts about an hour and a half, and a TV episode often around half an hour. So, on a six-hour flight, you could watch twelve episodes of Friends or four movies.
To combat restlessness, use your entertainment wisely. Start a movie or episode and finish it—this helps time pass faster. Also, do one thing at a time without rushing. If you get a meal, pause your movie and enjoy your food. By splitting your time this way, you avoid boredom and make the flight more enjoyable. Every quarter-hour you spend on something enjoyable brings you closer to your destination.
Take it a step further
Make your flight feel even “shorter” by starting your entertainment only once the seatbelt sign is off (but keep it on for now). Begin with watching two movies and having your first meal—this will quickly add up to four hours! This approach effectively halves the mental distance to your destination. With this strategy, that eight-hour flight suddenly feels much shorter and more manageable. Your final destination will be in sight sooner than you think!
