Five Anti-Stress Tips When Flying Cheap Flights
Flying in economy class on a low-cost airline can be a tedious experience, especially for those who - due to work demands - have to do it frequently.
In one case, a passenger on China Eastern Airlines was so stressed and anxious to get out of the plane while waiting at Sanya Phoenix International Airport on China's Hainan Island in 2014, that he activated the emergency exit and taxied out.
Jonathan Bricker of the University of Washington -- who developed the first Air Travel Stress Scale (ATSS) -- says stressed air travelers are more likely to use unhealthy adaptive strategies, such as substance use (drinking too much alcohol) or openly displaying emotions (such as getting angry at fellow passengers or crew).
The following anti-anxiety tips will help overcome every situation when flying on low-cost airlines, as quoted from The South China Morning Post, (4/12/2018).
1. Avoid checking in luggage
Never check in luggage unless it is absolutely necessary. This will save you from messy queues.
Instead, you're better off cramming what you can into a large backpack, checking in online and moving on through the line at the gate.
If you can, you can buy some clean clothes and other cleaning supplies at your destination.
2. Silent and Calm
After boarding the plane, do not make eye contact or talk to anyone, unless it is an urgent flight safety issue.
The cause of your stress is often caused by communicating with other passengers, who may not behave properly when flying.
There have been 58,000 incidents of unruly passenger behavior worldwide since 2007, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
3. First Aid Tools to Fight Burnout
Take a simple carry-on bag with you when sitting in the cabin, containing all the essentials for a stress-free flight.
Essential items in the bag are an eye mask, music player and noise-canceling headphones, hygiene wipes, bottled water, aerosol water spray, mouth and nose masks, and books or digital reading.
4. Take care of your health before and during the flight
Medical experts warn that air passengers are exposed to reduced atmospheric pressure, less available oxygen, low humidity, constant noise, vibration and cold temperatures.
There is also the fear of contracting a deadly pathogen, hypoxia, dehydration or hyperthermia, which can add to stress and anxiety.
Surgical masks offer limited protection from fellow passengers' germs.
Try to use a spray containing mineral water to maintain local humidity levels, use your headphones to block out noise, drink plenty of water and leave your seat at least once per hour to stretch to maintain your blood circulation.
5. Choose a seat on the edge, not near the window
Some experts recommend window seats for the slightly improved cabin air quality due to being closer to the air conditioning vents, but aisle seats reduce in-flight claustrophobia and anxiety.
In addition, seats on the edge near the aisle make it easier for you to receive food from the crew, walk to the bathroom, and minimize jostling with other passengers.
