Eating meals onboard flights can help alleviate passengers’ fear of flying, according to new research.
The Alpha Airports Group questioned 1,122 people and found that three quarters were scared of flying to one degree or another. A further eight per cent were too scared to fly at all.
However, passengers can be calmed simply by eating the in-flight meal, with the sight, smell and taste all helping to take the mind off fearful thoughts. Furthermore, foods such as cheese and milky drinks create biochemical changes in the body that help passengers to relax and ease their nerves.
Corinne Sweet, a psychologist who has appeared on Channel 4’s Big Brother, said: “Eating the in-flight meal provides a great way for you to relax and forget about any fears of flying.
“Being served food in-flight stirs up nourishing, comforting memories of meals surrounded by family and friends. This satisfying ritual is often associated with happy, carefree times, so can help you relax.”
Eating is the number one method used by passengers to ease their flying fears, with many eating chocolate or sucking sweets.
Other tactics used include reading a book, doing a crossword, listening to music, and drinking alcohol.
Corinne continued: “Breathing slowly and deeply can help deal with panic if you feel scared of flying. Spend time familiarising yourself with safety instructions, look out the window to distract yourself, and keep busy reading or enjoying the in-flight film.”
Virgin Atlantic offers Flying Without Fear courses at airports around the UK.
