If you’re anything like me, you’ll order a gin and tonic or a glass of bubbles on a flight to help settle your nerves as soon as the drinks trolley comes around. As well as helping to celebrate getting away, something alcoholic will calm you down and make you feel a bit less jittery after take-off, right?
The truth is, that first drink could be making things worse and anyone with a fear of flying should steer clear of alcohol or caffeine on board – swapping them for a glass of ginger ale on a plane instead – yes, really!
I’ve started doing it when I fly and found it’s really helped. I’m sometimes still tempted to have mine with a shot of whisky, but I know it will only make me feel worse in the long term if I do.
The reason, shows research, is that alcohol can heighten your anxiety while making it harder to sleep – and I find sleeping is one of the best ways to make a flight whizz by. Tea and coffee can have the same effect, so consider avoiding them too, until you arrive.
I've seen experts recommend ginger ale because it can help ease stomach jitters and put a stop to nausea at 30,000 feet – a must when turbulence hits and your fear of flying goes through the roof. Ginger root has long been known as a common cure for sickness, so the higher the ginger content in your ginger ale, the better (always check the label, as some are only made with ginger essence and contain a lot of sugar). You could also take ginger sweets to suck on, says Katie Panagou from Good Housekeeping Holidays, and these are great for travel sickness generally.
As for what snack to have with your ginger ale – pass on the crisps and bring your own Brazil nuts. According to nutritionists, they’re high in selenium, which can help reduce inflammation that builds up in our bodies when we’re stressed or anxious. Brazil nuts are also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that’s been found to be beneficial for anxiety. But be aware that fellow passengers may have nut allergies, so check your airline’s guidelines about eating nuts on board.
The charity Anxiety UK estimates that around 10% of the UK population suffers from aviophobia, or a fear of flying, so finding ways to cope, however small they seem, can help ensure you don’t miss out on the joy of travelling. And if that means drinking ginger ale and nibbling on Brazil nuts, why not give it a go the next time you fly?
Of course, if your fear of flying is more serious and you struggle to step on to a plane at all, it’s worth booking a fear of flying course – try British Airways, which offers a range of Flying With Confidence courses, EasyJet’s online Fear Of Flying courses and Virgin Atlantic, which offers a 30-day Lovefly programme.
