What’s happening…
- Stepping on board a plane is a common micro panic moment
- The trick is to take control of the moment, acting and thinking confidently
- You’re not being forced to enter the plane but choosing to enter it, confident that you’ll have a safe and comfortable flight
Stepping on board an aircraft makes it real…
Before a flight, you can still escape a situation you find stressful. When you step aboard a plane this is the final moment before your flight – and for some people, this can be a source of anxiety. At this point, things become real.
It’s a short moment that’s loaded with significance. The trick is to recognise the power of this moment and take control. Instead of entering into the plane cautiously and in a state of anxiety, you can decide to enter consciously and confidently – and we’ll show you how.
Micro panic moments are anxiety triggers that can affect us all. Individually they may be small, but can combine to cause more severe anxiety. In our Micro Panic Moment series, we explore what’s happening, why it can trigger panic and what you can do to deal with it.
Anticipatory anxiety is powerful
Once you’ve passed through the boarding gate, the flight becomes real for many people. You’ve left the spacious (but often crowded) environment of the terminal where your feet are on firm ground, to an unfamiliar environment.
You may use a jet bridge or jet way, or be transported to the plane via a bus and be asked to use the air stairs. Either way, you’ll soon be getting on the plane.
Walking onto a plane is physically and psychologically significant for some people with a fear of flying. In some people, it can trigger anxiety and activate the fight-or-flight response.
Thankfully, it’s usually very short. Once you’ve passed through the doorway, you’ll be in your seat in a few seconds.
The key to managing the micro panic moment is to take control.
Practical ways to reduce anxiety
When boarding a plane you’re in control. This may seem strange – particularly after the processional feeling of moving through the airport – but you are making a conscious choice to step aboard.
Understanding this is powerful. Our internal voices can be negative, attacking us with thoughts and images that can increase anxiety.
Developing a phrase or two that you can repeat is powerful at taming negative thoughts. It’s called a positive self affirmation.
Here’s an example:
“I’m calm and in control. I’m choosing to get on the plane because I know I’m going to be safe.”
Repeating this phrase (or whatever phrase you choose) every time negative thoughts appear can help you to develop some confidence.
Get to your seat as soon as possible…
As soon as you step on board the plane, you’ll be asked to get to your seat as soon as possible. This enables you to prepare for the next stages of the flight.
If you find this stage stressful, then taking some time to do breathing exercises and grounding techniques can really help prepare you for takeoff. As well as reducing anxiety, they can help put you in a positive frame of mind for pushback, taxi and takeoff.
If you need a little extra help, download our Calm Flight Toolkit and check out our Help Desk.
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