Flying is one of the safest modes of transportation – yet so many people still tremble at the thought of stepping foot on a plane. Thankfully technology is here to help alleviate some of that stress and make the process a little more enjoyable. Whether they’re specifically for those with a flying phobia or they help indirectly, we’ve rounded up our 5 favorite apps to help you conquer your fear of flying.
SOAR – Conquer Fear of Flying
When it comes to the fear of flying, we believe that education is key. SOAR – established in 1982 – has opened up the world to over 10,000 fearful fliers. Created by airline Captain and licensed therapist Tom Bunn, the SOAR app offers techniques for controlling pre-flight anxiety, panic attacks, claustrophobia and more.
Also included with this app:
– The G-Force meter proves – in turbulence – that there is no threat to the plane.
– Get immediate access to weather information and turbulence forecasts.
– Become an expert in how flying works and how safety is maintained.
– Know how back-up systems are activated if needed.
– Learn about safety systems that prevent pilot error.
– Download “Take Me Along” and let Capt. Bunn coach you step-by-step through the flight.
Calm – Sleep & Meditation
While Calm isn’t directly related to flying, this app is great for managing pre-flight anxiety, as well as helping to reduce anxiety, fear and stress during flight. The app has meditations ranging from 3 minutes to 25 minutes on topics such as calming anxiety, breathing and happiness — to name a few.
Also included with this app:
– Calm Masterclass: Life changing audio classes featuring world-renowned experts.
– Music: Exclusive music engineered to help you focus, relax or sleep. (Perfect for those bumpy moments during flight)
– Calm Body: Mindful stretching and movement to relax your body during the day.
– 30+ soothing nature sounds and scenes to use during meditation, yoga or to help you sleep.
Flight Aware | Flight Tracker
For fearful fliers, tracking flights has become a common practice to help alleviate nerves. Many passengers find relief knowing that a loved one is following their flight progress, and some take comfort seeing how many daily flights take place around the world.
Like most flight tracking apps, Flight Aware allows you to track the real-time flight status of any commercial flight worldwide, with the option to receive push notifications for gate changes, cancellations, diversions, etc. Tracking data also includes complete flight details, full-screen maps, and NEXRAD radar overlay. For the aviation enthusiasts out there, FlightAware is a reliable and must-have app that will even allow you to view detailed ATC routing.
Also included with this app:
– Track any plane around the world in real-time.
– Get free flight status alerts: Departure, Arrival, Cancellations, Gate changes, Delays, Diversions, etc.
– See live weather radar.
MyFlight Forecast
If you deal with flying by mentally preparing yourself, this is the app for you. With MyFlight Forecast, you can look up turbulence forecasts before your flight so you know what you’re in for and aren’t caught off guard. This app is designed for passengers, but gives you the same insider information that flight crews use to make your flight as smooth as possible.
Also included with this app:
– Easy to read maps that simplify all of the information,
– Detailed weather about your flight in real-time.
– Additional Fear of Flying courses and help available for the anxious traveler.
Spotify
Of course, we had to include Spotify on our list. Whether you’re waiting to board your flight or cruising along mid-flight, music is often the key to our moods. We strongly recommend taking the time to put together a playlist before you travel and download in advance should Wi-Fi be unavailable.
During take-off or moments of turbulence, a curated playlist can help you relax and lessen your focus from the sensations of flight itself. Instead of feeling tense, let your body sway to a good beat.
Also included with this app:
– Make and share your own playlist or browse music by genre or mood.
– Listen on your mobile, tablet, desktop, PlayStation, Chromecast, TV and voice-controlled speakers.
– Spotify offers thousands of podcasts, including originals that you can’t find anywhere else.
Share your favorite apps with us below in the comments!