What would you do if someone afraid of flying starts panicking?

When Turbulence Hits the Soul: Helping a Fellow Passenger Through Flight Anxiety

The gentle hum of the airplane engines, the smooth ascent into the clouds – for some, it’s the symphony of travel. For others, it’s the soundtrack to a mounting internal storm. While many understand the rational safety of air travel, the fear of flying remains a very real and powerful phobia. If you find yourself next to someone experiencing a mid-flight panic attack, your calm presence can make a world of difference.

A sudden surge of anxiety in the air can manifest in many ways – rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, or even a full-blown panic attack. Instead of feeling helpless or retreating into your own discomfort, consider these steps to offer support and reassurance:

1. Acknowledge and Validate: A simple “Are you alright?” spoken softly and with genuine concern can break through the wall of fear. Avoid dismissive comments like “There’s nothing to worry about.” Remember, their fear is real, regardless of its perceived rationality. Validating their feelings with a phrase like, “I understand this must be difficult,” can be incredibly comforting.

2. Breathe Together: Deep, controlled breathing is a powerful anxiety management tool. Subtly model this behavior by taking slow, deep breaths yourself. You might even gently suggest, “Let’s take some deep breaths together. In through the nose, hold for a few seconds, and slowly out through the mouth.”

3. Offer Distraction: A racing mind trapped in a cycle of fear can benefit from a gentle redirection. Offer a distracting activity. Ask if they’d like to listen to some music or if they have a book they’d like to read. If they’re open to conversation, engage them in light, non-anxiety-provoking topics. Avoid discussing the flight itself or other potential stressors.

4. Engage the Senses: Sometimes, grounding techniques can help bring someone back to the present moment. Offer a piece of gum or a mint. The act of chewing and the sensory input can be surprisingly grounding. Similarly, a small, smooth object like a worry stone or even a cool beverage can provide tactile comfort.

5. Respect Boundaries: Not everyone welcomes interaction during moments of distress. If your initial attempts to connect are met with resistance, respect their need for space. Your quiet, non-judgmental presence can still provide a sense of stability and security. Simply knowing someone is nearby and aware of their struggle can be a comfort in itself.

6. Alert the Cabin Crew (if necessary): If the person’s distress escalates or appears to be a medical emergency, discreetly inform a flight attendant. They are trained to handle such situations and can provide additional support and resources.

Helping someone navigate a panic attack mid-flight isn’t about “fixing” their fear. It’s about offering compassion, understanding, and practical tools to help them manage the moment. Your calm presence and empathetic response can be a true lifeline during a turbulent experience.