Best Airplane Seats For Nervous Flyers [Revealed]

Flying can be a very unsettling experience for some, especially when the flight is experiencing some turbulence.

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Best Airplane Seats For Nervous Flyers [Revealed]

Just as a car can hit rough patches of road when it’s being driven, airplanes can experience this in the sky.

While turbulence isn’t dangerous and just part of the average air journey, it can be unsettling for nervous flyers.

If you are a nervous flyer and are worried about turbulence, then there are seats you can choose on your flight where you won’t be shaken around as much.

With this guide, you’ll be able to feel much more at ease on your upcoming flight.

What Is The Fear Of Flying?

Aerophobia is a severe aversion to air travel. People who have a fear of flying may experience anxiety during many flight-related events, such as takeoff, landing, or being trapped inside the aircraft.

Even though you may be aware that your fear is unfounded, you are unable to use logic to overcome your anxiety.

The majority of those who suffer from aerophobia don’t truly fear plane crashes. You could be more afraid of the intense anxiety that comes with flying.

Often, the thought of flying or the anticipation of flying is more stressful than actually taking the flight.

What Causes Turbulence?

Disturbances in the airflow are the main cause of turbulence. Turbulence can be brought on by weather-related conditions such as strong winds, clouds, or a storm.

A few bumps can also be brought on by mountain ranges or stray air pockets.

While there are many potential causes of turbulence, it’s important to remember that pilots are well-versed in how to handle them and will make every effort to maintain a smooth flight.

Generally, pilots are able to predict the occurrence of turbulence and will alert the cabin crew and passengers, instructing them to take their seats again and fasten their seatbelts.

The most severe occurrences of turbulence are incredibly rare. Over the course of 10,000 hours of flying, pilots typically experience severe turbulence for five minutes.

What Is The Best Seat?

Over the wings or near the front of the aircraft is the ideal place to sit on the plane to avoid the feeling of turbulence.

The tail of the airplane might bounce up and down more, whereas the wings maintain the plane’s balance, keeping the journey smooth.

A passenger will typically experience less turbulence the closer they are to the front of the aircraft.

As well as less turbulence, the flight tends to be quieter if a person sits closer to the front of the wings with the engines behind them.

It’s true that flying isn’t always the most comfortable task.

But making the most of it can result in a stress-free flight by selecting the right seat (usually between rows 10 and 30) and being well-prepared.

Other Things You Can Do To Help Your Fear

Give Yourself A Reality Check

Long-distance travel by air is thought to be the safest way to travel, and dying in a plane crash is incredibly uncommon.

Although hearing about an aircraft crash can be frightening, you can talk yourself out of thinking that flying is risky by researching how many planes take off and land safely every day.

A phobia or fear of flying is obviously irrational.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if your initial attempts to reason with your fear don’t produce particularly positive results; it will take time and practice to overcome the dread.

Avoid Your Triggers With The Right Seat

Turbulence might not be the only thing about flying that makes you nervous. It could be the claustrophobic environment or your fear of heights.

Spending a little extra money on choosing your seat is a wise choice because you’ll be able to avoid the triggers that worry you about flying.

For example, if you’re afraid of heights, then you should stay away from window seats, or if you’re claustrophobic, then an aisle seat might help you feel less confined.

If you have some extra money to spare, then upgrading to first class or business class might also be beneficial.

The seats are often more comfortable and give you more room as well as access to staff that can attend to you quickly.

Talk To The Flight Attendants

The flight attendants are available at all times to help you. They are your greatest ally, especially if they are aware of your flying fear.

To make sure you feel comfortable during your flight, they will keep checking in on you and assessing your condition.

They have also received training on how to respond to health events, including hyperventilation, fainting, and a host of other emergencies that might happen on the plane.

They are also masters of air safety! Airlines require flight attendants to do in-person training once a year, as well as ongoing online training, to make sure they are current on emergency protocols.

Find A Distraction

It’s not always that easy for everyone, but some people can lose themselves in a good movie or podcast, which could distract them from the fact that they’re flying.

You should find a distraction that works for you.

You can use media to help take your mind off your flight, a good book, or even some sleep! If you are going to try and distract yourself, then make sure you have all the tools for the job.

Make sure your devices are fully charged and anything that needs the internet to be accessed is downloaded for offline use.

Furthermore, bring items in your carry-on luggage that will help you get comfortable, such as an eye mask, pillow, blanket, and headphones.

Be Mindful Of What You Do And Eat Onboard

Caffeine, alcohol, and foods high in sodium can speed up your heartbeat and increase anxiety.

If you have anxiety about flying, you should stay away from all of these things both before and during your flight.

You should be careful with what you view when traveling.

Sports, action movies, and thrillers may all make your heart race. Instead, consider watching comedies or listening to calming music.

Avoid becoming so tense that you feel the beginnings of a panic attack by keeping your body and mind as relaxed as you can.

Speak To A Therapist

Your best course of action is definitely to seek professional support if your fear truly paralyzes you.

Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention, mental health experts can assist people in overcoming their phobia of flying.

Anti-anxiety medications, which doctors can also prescribe, can undoubtedly benefit anxious travelers.

Face Your Fear

The best method for dealing with a fear is exposure therapy!

A person’s inflated, irrational cognitions about their fear can be challenged by exposure, which enables them to come into contact with the feared stimulus.

On the other hand, avoidance just makes anxiety worse. So, the best thing you can do for yourself is to board a plane if you genuinely want to get over your fear of flying.

Final Thoughts

Being a nervous flyer is understandable; however, with the right seat and our extra tips for overcoming your fear, you’ll be ready to set off on your long-awaited vacation with a more relaxed attitude.

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Jodie Price

Hi, my name is Jodie Price and I have been a flight attendant for the past four years. Before that, I was a teacher at a local school. During my summer vacations from teaching, I loved to jet off on an exciting adventure whenever I could.

But the flights stressed me and my friends out so much that we almost stopped vacationing altogether. Would another form of transportation be easier?