Airport anxiety and remedies

Anxious passengers at an airport are common. Some of the reasons for it are: Fear of flying, fear of crowds, fear of missing one’s flight, fear of missing or losing one’s luggage or just not being able to handle the unfamiliar airport environment. Some common causes of anxiety while flying include fear of flying, turbulence, and claustrophobia, the Journal of Travel Medicine found out in 2018.

Airport anxiety can have a significant impact on a passenger’s experience. From the overall passenger journey, airport anxiety if not well handled, can have a significant negative impact on a passenger’s experience. So it is vital for airports and airlines to take steps to minimise anxiety and provide support for passengers who are experiencing it. This could include providing clear and concise information about airport procedures, offering calming activities or resources, and training staff to be sensitive to the needs of anxious passengers.

The feeling an anxious passenger has to contend with can make the airport experience rather unpleasant and uncomfortable. In some extreme cases some passengers may avoid flying completely. Anxiety can lead to panic, stress or being overwhelmed – manifesting in physical symptoms as sweating, increased heart rate and even shaking or crying too.

A survey conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI), the voice of the world’s airports, in 2017 revealed that passengers that  had to go through complex airport processes, such as security and immigration, were more likely to experience anxiety than those who did not. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) which represents airlines across the globe, in 2017 discovered from their survey that fear of flying or aviophobia was the most common cause of anxiety for air travellers. The survey found that 10 percent of respondents reported being afraid of flying, and 26 percent reported feeling anxious or uncomfortable while flying. A study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management in 2019 revealed that passengers who had access to airport lounges were less likely to experience anxiety than those who did not. This could be due to the more comfortable and relaxing environment provided by the lounges.

Anxious passengers may also have difficulty following directions, or communicating with airport staff. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and missed flights, which can further worsen their anxiety and frustration. Also, airport anxiety can impact a passenger’s overall travel experience, including enjoying the destination the person is travelling to. Where an anxious passenger experiences a lot of stress and discomfort during travel, the traveller may arrive at the travel destination feeling exhausted and irritable, which can affect the ability to enjoy the trip.

Passengers may consider the following advisory found online that could  help alleviate airport anxiety: Make plans early and on time – this will cover making a packing list, doing some research work on one’s airport and airline and also arriving on time at the airport. By doing so, stress is reduced and one can have time to explore the airport.

Another is to practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualisation exercises so that one’s nerves are calm and anxiety is reduced.

Another is to find some distraction such as coming to the airport and being in-flight with a book, listening to music, or watch a movie to take your mind off the airport environment and any other reason for anxious thoughts in-flight.

Finding support in people can also be helpful. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the experience with anxiety, or consider joining a support group for people with similar experiences.

And then seeking therapy is not out of place. Where anxiety is severe or interfering with one’s daily life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or mental health provider.

Remember, it’s normal to feel anxious in new or unfamiliar situations, and there is no shame in seeking help or support to manage a person’s anxiety.

As summer travel begins and airports expect an increase in passenger  numbers, there is a need to keep in mind that airport anxiety is common and does have an impact on the passenger experience. Recently, a traveller broke down in tears at a border check and the two children with her joined their mother to cry also. She had committed no offence and it took her sometime to pull herself together and continue her airport journey.

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