OhioHealth Psychiatrist Offers Tips To Ease Flight Anxiety

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Recent airline tragedies have left many travelers feeling uneasy about flying. While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like these can heighten fears and make flying feel more daunting than usual. 

Megan Schabbing, MD, Medical Director, Psychiatric Emergency Services with OhioHealth, said this reaction is completely normal. 

“It’s really important to remember that tragedies like this are extremely rare and it’s easy to watch that news story and think it’s something that happens frequently, but it’s not," she told NBC4 reporter Gracie Collins. 

For those feeling anxious about an upcoming flight, Dr. Schabbing said to focus on ways to stay distracted. Before takeoff, activities like reading a book, calling a friend or taking a walk can help ease those pre-flight nerves. 

Once you're on board, “have a game plan for what you’re going to do to keep your mind occupied and to sort of go to that happy place," she said. 

Whether it's watching a movie that makes you laugh or playing a game, staying engaged can make a big difference. If worries persist, Dr. Schabbing suggests taking a rational approach. 

“When you start worrying, remind yourself that air travel is safe. People travel all the time. I’ve traveled by myself all the time. It’s a safe way to travel," she said. It's been nearly 16 years since the last commercial airline crash in the U.S. 

However, Dr. Schabbing noted there's a difference between general nervousness and a true phobia. If the thought of flying causes severe anxiety, she advised seeking professional help. 

“If you are in a position where it’s almost impossible for you to get on that plane or the thought of getting on the plane or the action of getting on the plane causes you to have severe heart racing," she recommends starting with a primary care doctor to explore treatment options and rule out any underlying medical concerns.