Aviophobia - Travel & Health Tips

Aviophobia, a psychological factor, can affect people not only personally but professionally too. To combat the problem, such travelers can seek professional help. Medication can help but taking alcohol to relieve the fear is not advisable. Many courses are offered that aim to overcome the fear of flying. Taking one of these maybe helpful.

Short Temper and Air Travel

With an increase in the number of air travelers, there has also been an increase in the incidence of temper tantrums in many of them. It seems to be stress-related, not necessarily born out of a fear of flying. The rage is more often associated with pre-flight alcohol consumption. Something as insignificant as a polite request by the cabin crew to a passenger to switch off his or her mobile phone during the fight can enrage the passenger. Stressed travelers will do well to find means other than alcohol to keep them cool during a flight.

‘Special’ Travelers

Travelers with specific medical conditions maybe denied permission to travel in the airline. Each airline has its own terms and conditions when flying a sick person. The general considerations are

• If the traveler is a potential hazard to the aircraft or to the safety of the other passengers
  
  
• If the medical condition is likely to worsen during the flight and become an emergency
  
  
• If the passenger needs special medical care and/or equipment during the flight
  
  

If necessary, such travelers may also be subjected to medical examination by the airlines own doctor.

Traveling With Babies

As a rule, infants less than seven days old should not travel by air. But, if necessary and especially if the infant is premature, medical advice must be sought before the flight. Changes in cabin air pressure may make babies uncomfortable and cause them to cry. Feeding them or using a pacifier, will relieve their discomfort.