We find ourselves counting down the days till our next holiday.
Dusting off the sartorial summer essentials, stocking up on suncream and whacking on your out-of-office email sparks glee in those yearning for a much-deserved getaway.
That is, of course, if you don’t mind planes. The process of getting to a destination is unquestionably the worst part about jetting off on a break. Missing your train, long lines in security, getting stuck in one of the electronic passport gates, being crammed into the plane like sardines - it’s all a bit of a faff. Yet, for those with a fear of flying, it takes it to the next level.
Those who suffer from anxiety will understand how debilitating the condition can be. Throw the concept of being stuck in a metal tin can 30,000 feet up in the air into the mix and the terror only worsens.
While it may seem like you have no control over the situation, there are certain things, or products to invest in, which can ease the aviation-induced anxiety. The first port of call is to read up on the stats. According to Travellers Worldwide, the odds of being in a plane accident are approximately 1 in 1.2 million and survivability rates are about 95.7 per cent. Car, bus and train travel are significantly more dangerous than flying and with the rapid improvement of technology, planes are becoming a safer mode of travel each year.
However, stats are all well and good, but sometimes your body and brain take over. Even though one may have semi-processed that you’re in safe hands, anxiety has a funny way of taking hold regardless.
From ultra-soothing beauty products such as lavender sprays and aromatic roll-ons, to tech buys including noise-cancelling headphones, there are many items to peruse before your upcoming flight. Distraction and comfort are key.
In the long run, it may also be worth considering therapy to conquer your aviophobia, as it is also known.
While you may find yourself reaching for wine as soon as your wheels-up, self-medicating with alcohol on a flight is not advised. This is because when you drink heavily, the central nervous system gets used to the inhibiting effect of the booze. This isn’t as appealing as it sounds, as when the alcohol intake drops, your brain can spark ’fight or flight’ mode when you sober up - in turn increasing anxiety levels in the body.
Keeping long term remedies in mind but for now, sit back, relax and scroll through the best items for anxious flyers below for a blissfully stress-free holiday.
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Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy
Aesop’s Ginger Flight Therapy is a travel sized roll-on enhanced with ginger root, lavender and geranium oils. Designed for your pulse points, the portable item can be applied to the temples, wrists, neck and stomach when stress or nausea arises.
Buy now £25.00, Aesop
Drowsy Blue Belle Silk Sleep Mask
There’s nothing worse than struggling to sleep on a flight, especially under stress. Drowsy’s sumptuous silk sleep mask features a total black-out effect, a pure mulberry silk fabric, a fully adjustable head strap and a hypoallergenic, breathable design. The wrap-around fit and cloud-like plushness ensure all surroundings are effortlessly blocked out.
Buy now £55.00, Drowsy
This Works Stress Mood Checker
This Works is an absolute go-to for any anti-stress products. Simply spray this serene fragrance onto your skin to reduce tension and anxiety. Notes of ylang ylang, neroli and patchouli, created through fMRI brain imaging technology, restore ease to a anxious state of mind.
Buy now £15.00, This Works
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with MagSafe Charging Case 2022
The Apple AirPods Pros are a game changer. With complete noise-cancelling effects, a smooth, sleek design and adaptive transparency to tune in and out of background noise, these earbuds are a worthwhile investment. Adjust the volume via the high-tech touch controls and dive right into your in-flight entertainment, knowing the product’s six hour battery will have you covered through your short haul flight and beyond.
Buy now £249.00, John Lewis
The Body Shop Breathe Calm Balm
Calm balm is a quickfire way to alleviate anxiety and the Body Shop’s version is one of our favourites. An affordable, lightweight choice, the vegan product can be applied to pulse points and is made with 99 per cent ingredients of natural origin, including eucalyptus, rosemary and olive oil emulsions. The scent isn’t overbearing, meaning it’s also ideal for stressful days in the office.
Buy now £12.00, The Body Shop
Typo Travel Pillow with Hood
Upon first glance, a hooded travel pillow might not tickle the visual senses. However, once you submerge yourself in its ebony folds, you’ll be eternally grateful for your Dementor-chic look. The reimagined travel pillow features memory foam for additional comfort, a frontal closure for holding the neck securely in place, a soft brushed fleece texture and a drawstring cord for extra privacy.
Buy now £20.00, Typo
Bach Rescue Remedy
As far as wellness products go, Rescue Remedy is a classic. Pop four drops onto your tongue when the nerves start to set in and let the comforting flower essences work their magic. There’s no need for additional water or faff, so you can drift off without the need to pester the air stewards for the bar cart.
Buy now £8.50, Boots
The White Company Super Soft Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle
More often than not, flights are kitted out with overactive air conditioning systems, so a hot water bottle is perfect for a dollop of heat. Often unsettled stomachs come hand-in-hand with anxiety, so a luxurious heated element is a multi-faceted soothing method. The White Company’s uber-soft offering is comfort personified and will also come in handy for the chilly winter months.
Buy now £35.00, The White Company
Cos Loungewear Set
We commend those who jet off in stilettos or suits. However, the idea of teetering up and down the aisle in heels sparks fear in non-anxious flyers, let alone nervous passengers. Snuggle down and relax with a slouchy set so you don’t have to worry about tight waistbands, unpleasant fabrics or any other sartorial nuisances. Airport dressing has never been so chic with loungewear from Cos. The co-ordinating trousers are available for £69.
Buy now £39.00, Cos
Papier Off Piste Travel Journal
It would be a real shame for flying to ruin a long-awaited holiday. A notebook or travel diary is a good way of staying focused on what lies ahead when taking flight. Mojitos by the beach, après-ski soirees, a radiant golden tan that will spark envy - all waiting for you upon touch down.
Papier’s fun travel journal allows users to document their vacay plans, what they have to look forward to, and holiday highlights. The book also provides areas for doodling, which is ideal for anxious scribblers.
Buy now £29.00, Papier
Pukka Relax Organic Herbal Tea
It doesn’t get any more British than bringing tea abroad, but it’s totally worth it. Pukka’s relaxing herbal tea is an organic fusion of chamomile, fennel and marshmallow root. The tea’s essential oils settle the nerves and offer a moment of stillness and relaxation as you sip while you move through the air. Simply ask a flight attendant for some hot water.
Buy now £4.20, Waitrose
