This post contains a link to a devotional I wrote called “Faith over Fear”
How to travel internationally when you are afraid to fly. First, I want to reassure you that you are not alone. Statistically, 25-40% of people have anxiety about flying.
In my personal experience, having some anxiety about flying was overcome by knowing that I would experience a new place and culture. Basically, my focus was on the end result and not the in-between. This is an excellent key to overcoming your fear of flight to focus on where you are going.
My first tip and most important.
Pray and trust God.
Take time to pray about your fear or anxiety of flying. Ask someone to pray with you as well. I don’t mean to say to wish aware a fear. But pray about why you are afraid? Then step out in faith and trust God in the process of your fear.
Then, find a scripture that gives you comfort and peace.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and buckler.”
Psalm 91:4
When you are afraid to fly, meditate on this scripture.
My next tip is to do it afraid. Don’t let fear stop you from living the life God has called you to live. Stepping out and going on the mission trip, traveling with our loved ones.
So many times, we must step out in faith and do what we are afraid to do. I am sure you can do it, even if it scares you.
Just do it
The first two tips were spiritual advice for overcoming your fear of flying, but there are also some practical things you can do to help.
After thousands of air miles and years of traveling internationally, here are some practical tips to go with the spiritual for flying internationally.
Take a longer flight domestically first.
It’s a good idea to ease yourself out of your fear by experiencing it first. Start small and build endurance with a longer flight. Know yourself and your fear or anxiety level.
Next is a technique used by many people: visualization. Imagine yourself sitting on an airplane, taking a longer flight, or going to the airplane bathroom.
Visualization
Now, if you have already flown and are trying to prepare for a transnational flight, take time to visualize yourself on the flight and that you are okay. Sit on a scale-size seat (for a couch, that will be a small chair with sides)
Role-play being on the plane. Imagine yourself putting away your luggage, sitting in your seat, and being at peace.
The next one is something that I like and brings me joy.
Playlist Essentials
If you’re a music inspirationalist, prepare your playlist before the flight. Have music that will inspire you not to be afraid. My go-to when I need inspiration is Hello Peril’s “I Punched Keanu Reeves.” It’s hysterical and takes my mind off the stress of stuff. But know yourself and what works for you. Laughter is proven to help stress.
For me, something funny works. It might be worship, a podcast, or an audiobook. Have them ready and downloaded if needed as well. Things that make you laugh will help with stress; download something that brings you comfort.
Think about your layovers.
If you can take a direct flight that is short (six to eight hours), this might be the best option. If you have a long layover in between, make sure you have a plan so your mind doesn’t get all worked up for the next flight.
Go with someone
If you are afraid to fly, it will be better if you travel with a friend. Make sure you sit next to each other. Sitting next to a friend will help give you the support you need.
Learn Breathing Techniques
This is one of the best anti-stress and anxiety techniques you can learn. I have used it all the time since I learned it. Take a deep breath in for 4 to 8 counts, hold for 4 to 8 counts, and breathe out for 4 to 8 counts. When the plane is about to take off, use your breathing exercise.
Take extreme-tasting candy or gum.
I know this sounds crazy, but if you are starting to get anxious, eat one of these candies. Big Red, hot tamales, something with an extreme taste to it, can redirect your brain. This is a technique psychologists use when they work with patients who have extreme trauma.
Get your seat assignment.
Do not wait till you get to the airport to get your seat, if you can get it earlier. Pay a little extra and get a seat you know will minimize your anxiety. Getting stuck in the middle of five seats across will not help your fear. Plan ahead and get a good seat.
Talk to a counselor
If you are terrified of flying and want to travel, don’t let your fear stop you from living your best life. See a counselor and get to the center of the fear. Take some time and ask yourself why you are so afraid and when it started.
Recap:
- Pray and trust God
- Just do it, afraid
- Take a longer flight domestically first, then internationally
- Visualization
- Make a Playlist Essentials
- Think about your layovers.
- Go with someone
- Learn Breathing Techniques
- Take extreme-tasting candy or gum.
- Get your seat assignment.
- Talk to a counselor.
These are my tips after years of traveling internationally. I hope and pray they help you fly with ease. Let me know any techniques you have for flying when you’re anxious.
Here is a link to a seven day devotional called “Faith over Fear.” If you have kindle you can read it for free if not it’s available on Amazon. It is just a simple seven day devotional to overcome fear and walk in faith.
If you are preparing for a trip check out this post “Things you need to do before traveling internationally”