How to Overcome Claustrophobia on a Plane

Soaring 30,000 feet above the earth can make anybody uneasy, and most airplanes do not exactly boast comfort. And some people, amid all of that unease and discomfort, begin to find themselves feeling claustrophobic. Claustrophobia affects millions and can be triggered or exacerbated by the type of confinement and crowding that one typically finds on a commercial jet. If you suffer from claustrophobia, here are some simple tips for surviving your next flight without medication.

Things You'll Need

• Noise-canceling headphones
• Electronic device

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Instructions

Redirect Your Awareness

• 1

  Request an aisle seat. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you do not want to find yourself pressed against a window or wedged between two bodies in a narrow three-seat row. An aisle seat will provide you with the least amount of confinement and allow you room to stretch. Additionally, it will provide you with some peace of mind knowing that you can easily get up and walk along the cabin if necessary.

• 2

  Bring objects to distract you from the flight. This can include an MP3 player, a portable DVD player, a laptop computer or any device to which you can direct all of your focus. Use large, professional headphones that will quiet the noise from the plane and allow you to fully concentrate.

• 3

  Practice deep breathing exercises and quiet your mind. Programs like iTunes offer a variety of podcasts and MP3s designed specifically for guided meditation exercises (make sure you download these before you board). Work toward redirecting your awareness and your flight will become much easier.