Tools and Tips for Tricking the Trickster

One of the bigger surprises awaiting fearful fliers just discovering our site is the large inventory of effective fear-reducing strategies available. We have gathered these from a number of gratis sources and are happy to share them, and on our Forums we can provide support as you investigate them for yourself.

The day before a flight avoid eating greasy and spicy food.

The morning of the flight and about three hours prior to flying eat a light high carbohydrate meal. Bagels and banana are ideal.

Avoid coffee or caffeinated drinks.

Drink plenty water to keep hydrated.

1000mg of ginger helps most people with motion sickness.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing as less motion is felt here ( they don't put first class passengers up there for nothing). Good for overall comfort as well as for motion sickness.

If things get bumpy fix your eyes on the horizon, at night or if you have not got a window seat then fix your eyes on the exit sign or toilet sign.

Avoid watching films or reading if you start to feel queasy.

Eat peppermints and sip ginger ale.

Use acupressure bands. The Relief Band works great for some people;p it is a watch-like device that passes a small electrical current which acts on the nausea center of the brain.

Get to the airport EARLY; allow plenty of time to go through security and settle down.

Walking around in the terminal before your flight can burn off excess adrenaline

Bring your own food and water (purchase after going through security).

Bring a camera; take pictures if you have a window seat.

Journal your adventures/trip report for TF.

Use noise-cancelling headphones with calming music (or upbeat, bouncy, if preferred for turbulence).

"Splashy, trashy" magazines with lots of color pictures will occupy the visual side of your brain.

Bring books on tape/CD/downloads.

A neck pillow increases comfort.

Bring a sweater in case the cabin is cold.

Use the "Meet the pilot" letter!

Chatting with your seatmates can be calming and interesting, if they are willing and not absorbed in work or trying to sleep.

If flying on Southwest (until they have assigned seating), check in online 24 hrs. ahead, get an A pass, get to the gate at least an hour early, and stand in line.