October 2024: Halloween Edition

Welcome Aboard

Welcome to the Halloween edition of "My View From The Left Seat." In the spirit of the spooky season, we explore the many reasons people feel anxious about flying—and how they manage to get on planes anyway. Fear of flying is surprisingly common, and it affects seasoned flyers and first-timers alike. Whether it’s turbulence, lack of control, cramped cabins, or fears stemming from specific incidents, this month people shared their stories, thoughts, and coping strategies.

Top Flying Fears and Experiences Shared by the Community

1. Takeoff & Landing Jitters

"I'm a mess during takeoff – hanging on for dear life. But once we level off, I'm fine." – Anxious Flier

These two moments—takeoff and landing—seem to trigger the most anxiety. Unfamiliar noises, vibrations, and the initial climb can cause anxiety for passengers, as can ceding control to someone they don’t know, and engaging in a mode of transport they don’t completely understand. I want to emphasize the incredible level of training, skill, and experience that airline pilots and crews have, and the many safety systems that are built into modern aviation. Pilots are extensively trained for emergency situations, and aircraft are designed with multiple redundancies to handle even the most unexpected events. While it’s understandable to feel anxious, remember that the industry’s focus on safety is unparalleled, and flying has become the safest form of transportation in human history. You can trust that you’re in capable hands every time you fly.

What Helps:

• Deep breathing exercises.
• Distracting yourself with conversation or a book, or after takeoff and before landing, with music.
• For many, learning how flying works is comforting.

2. Anxiety Over Turbulence

"I know turbulence is just air currents, but it doesn’t stop me from gripping the seat for dear life!" – Frequent Traveler

Many respondents said turbulence freaks them out, even though they understand it’s normal. The sensation of sudden drops or bumps leaves passengers feeling out of control and uneasy. However, the reality of turbulence is simply the result of the aircraft encountering currents of air. There are a few types of turbulence: thermals, which occur when the sun’s heat produces pockets of hot air which rise rapidly; wake turbulence from other aircraft, where an airplane passes through the path of another; and even abrasive wind at lower altitudes, which is subject to friction from objects on the ground. While turbulence accounts for about one-third of weather-related aircraft incidents, this is why the aviation industry has put extensive safeguards in place to minimize risk during flight.

What Helps:

• Remind yourself: Planes are built to handle turbulence plus a large margin.
• Keep your seatbelt fastened—it reduces anxiety and keeps you safe.
• Pilots are trained to avoid turbulence when they can, and to manage it when they cannot avoid it by changing altitude and/or speed.

3. Claustrophobia & Cabin Cramp

"I feel trapped in a tiny space with too many people. Being stuck on the tarmac is the worst." – Aisle Seat Flier

The confined space and limited movement make some passengers uneasy, especially on long-haul flights. Not knowing when the plane will move or land adds to the frustration. Acknowledging that claustrophobia doesn’t have an easy fix, there are steps you can take as a passenger to help manage these feelings of discomfort:

What Helps:

• Request an aisle seat for more space.
• Get up and stretch whenever possible.
• Stay hydrated—feeling physically good helps mentally too.

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Thank you for joining me on this month's journey. I hope you find these interesting and informative.

Captain Sully Sullenberger