How to take the Stress out of Flying

While it may seem like global jihadists, over protective governments and unscrupulous airlines all conspire these days to make the life of a traveller as difficult as possible, this is not actually true.

Flying is almost certainly going to remain a high stress activity for some time but there are things you can do to avoid at least some of the anxiety.

1. Arrange everything that you possibly can well ahead of time.

This goes for the plane tickets, airport transfers and hotel bookings. One of the biggest sources of worry when travelling comes from having to make arrangements at the last minute. Making plans ahead of time is usually cheaper and means that there is much less chance of things going wrong.

2. If at all possible, fly without checked-in baggage.

I appreciate that on many occasions, perhaps most for some people, travelling with just hand luggage will simply not be possible. However, it is my firm belief that this is the case far fewer times than people think. Most people when travelling take far more in their luggage than they need. Cutting it down saves space, makes everything easier to carry, saves money on checked baggage fees which are becoming more and more popular (and extortionate) and finally, it saves time waiting at a baggage carousel.

3. At all times stay informed about your itinerary and options.

Airlines are becoming very eager for their passengers to check-in online and may penalise you for not doing so. Make sure that you have read the details of the ticket and its conditions before you turn up at the airport or you may be in for a nasty shock. Similarly, although it sounds childishly simple, do check the booking and tickets. Check the dates and times of the flights and check-in, you don’t want to turn up too late or days early.

4. When making bookings make sure that you have enough time to make any changes or transfers that may be involved.

Airlines are usually good at getting passengers from one plane to another but plane to train transfers often cause people problems. Remember that you will probably have to reclaim your baggage, go through passport control and then find your way to the station and each of these things will take time.

5. Finally, the last way of avoiding stress is to acknowledge it and try to relax.

If you find that things aren’t going to plan your first response should be to get them back on track, not panic and start shouting or tearing your hair out. Stay calm and collected, think logically and solve the problem.

I don’t claim that I manage to do all of these things when I’m travelling, sometimes I try and fail, sometimes I forget to even try. However, I have found that when I do these things they help make the process of flying simpler and easier. Which is what we all want, surely?

Photo of airport crowd by indoloony

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About the author

Will Joce is a recent graduate from the London School of Economics who has a morbid fear of working in an office. As well as travelling and writing he has worked in the UK Parliament and as a press monitor. Refusing to follow advice and get a real job he will soon be beginning a Masters degree at St Petersburg State University