Overcome Fear of Flying with Air New Zealand’s Special Assistance

Many people deal with anxiety, and the greatest hurdle to their dream vacation isn’t money or time; it’s the crippling fear of flying. Passengers experience this severe anxiety, but one significant airline is now providing a practical remedy. To stand out from competitors, Air New Zealand offers specialized, personalized help for passengers struggling with aerophobia.

Suppose you are wondering how a business airline actually handles this psychologically taxing, intensely personal issue. In that case, this article examines Air New Zealand’s special assistance for those with a fear of flying. It is a creative and progressive strategy, outlining the specific tools and assistance they offer to help travelers transform their flight experience from one of fear into one of real possibilities.

Understanding and Managing Flight Anxiety with Air New Zealand:

The fear of flying is a common struggle, but the good news is that it’s highly treatable. While self-help tips can offer some temporary relief from anxiety, the most proven path to overcoming this phobia is through controlled exposure. That’s why Air New Zealand’s special assistance for those with a fear of flying strongly recommends a specialized fear-of-flying course. These courses are designed to build your confidence step by step by combining education on the flight process with gradual, repeated exposure in a safe and structured environment.

Ait New Zealand’s oVRcome: Virtual Reality Support for Nervous Flyers

Air New Zealand is now offering effective assistance through a partnership with Christchurch-based anxiety specialist, oVRcome. This unique, low-cost program uses VR (virtual reality) therapy to provide clinically designed lessons and simulations. Accessing it is simple; you just use your smartphone and the oVRcome VR headset to start anytime, anywhere.

What the programme includes:

• Clinical Expertise in Your Ears: Your journey is guided by content, including audio lessons and hands-on practice, that has been carefully developed by clinical psychologists.

• Conquer Fears Virtually: Step into highly realistic VR simulations that replicate the full flight experience: arriving, boarding, handling turbulence, and landing. Practice coping in a safe, controlled environment.

• Convenience at Your Door: Get the VR headset delivered right to your door, making this solution available worldwide. However, international shipping rates may apply.

• No Waiting: Dive straight into the relief! All audio lessons are available for you to use immediately upon subscribing.

What is Air New Zealand’s Flying Without Fear Course?

The longest-running program in New Zealand to assist anxious pilots feel comfortable in the air is called Flying Without Fear. It has been held at airports all around the nation since 1982, providing participants with a genuine, hands-on introduction to flying. With a remarkable success record of more than 90%, thousands of graduates have experienced relaxed travel both domestically and abroad. The training deconstructs the mysteries of flying and imparts useful skills for reducing fear and boosting self-assurance when flying. What makes it even better is the continued support; graduates can reach out for advice anytime and join online refresher sessions to keep their progress strong. It’s all about flying better, calmer, and more comfortably.

A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Reduce Anxiety During Every Stage Of Your Journey:

Here are some tips you’ll find on Air New Zealand’s official website to help you reduce your anxiety when flying. 

Stage 1: Prepare for your flight

This is the first and the most important step to follow: 

• Participate in an aerophobia course:

You can take an aerophobia program to combat the fear of flying. You will gain factual insights into the physics of flight and learn powerful, tested techniques for managing panic and calming your nerves during the journey.

• Familiarise yourself with the plane:

You can explore the aircraft ahead of time by viewing detailed seat maps online. Watching the current Air New Zealand safety video can also demystify the onboard experience and reduce the fear of the unknown.

• Find the best seat for you:

Use the seatselect tool to secure your preferred spot early. Choose a window seat if prone to motion sickness. For anxiety over turbulence, a window seat near the wings offers the smoothest ride.

• Find and practice some deep breathing and meditation techniques:

Discover and regularly practice specific deep breathing and guided meditation exercises. These relaxation methods are excellent tools to help you quickly achieve a state of inner calm when stress begins to rise.

• Consider purchasing some noise-cancelling headphones:

Invest in noise-cancelling headphones, particularly beneficial for those with sensory issues, particularly triggered due to autism spectrum disorder in some individuals. Remember to always comply with the crew’s instructions to remove them during the mandatory safety briefing.

• Plan your journey to the airport:

You can reduce pre-flight anxiety by organizing your route to the airport early. When you reserve parking ahead of time, you not only save money but also remove a potential source of last-minute worry.

• Review airline safety statistics and learn to separate your fear:

Research and review reliable airline safety data. You recognize that your intense fear is distinct from any actual danger. Air New Zealand is consistently rated among the world’s safest carriers.

Stage 2: 24-Hour Before the Flight

A calm travel day starts with a few easy steps taken beforehand, so you need to begin your preparation well in advance.  

• Air New Zealand’s special assistance team provides a 24-hour online check-in window. This way, you can confirm your seat, get your boarding pass digitally, and bypass potential lines at the airport check-in desk.

• You can prepare your in-flight entertainment by pre-downloading content to your devices. Don’t rely on spotty airport Wi-Fi or expensive, limited in-flight options. A full library of your favorite shows will make the journey feel faster and more comfortable.

• For more comfort, you must select loose-fitting layers that allow for easy movement. Crucially, anticipate security checks: wear slip-on shoes or sneakers that are easily removable.

• Caffeine is known to raise your heart rate and amplify feelings of nervousness. So, you must avoid coffee and choose naturally caffeine-free herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, to keep your nerves settled and your body relaxed.

• You can create a positive mental anchor: bring a small, meaningful photo of a loved one you are visiting or a beautiful sight you plan to see. This simple visual cue acts as a powerful reminder of the rewarding purpose of your travel.

Stage 3: Assistance at the Airport

Air New Zealand knows and understands how overwhelming it could be for sone, specially those with a fear of flying. This is why they advise you to wear the Sunflower Lanyard that sends out a signal to their staff that you are in need of assistance. 

• Use the Sunflower Lanyard for Discreet Assistance:

If you fear your anxiety will become debilitating, wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. This universally recognized symbol discreetly informs airport and airline staff that you may require specific support without needing to explain your situation. 

• Utilize Airport Quiet Spaces:

If you have time before your flight begins to board, locate one of these areas. Use the isolation to practice mindful breathing techniques or simple grounding exercises. Five to ten minutes of focused calm can effectively reduce your heart rate and prepare you for the busy environment of the aircraft.

• Plan for Security and Punctuality:

You need to allocate more time than you think you need to get from check-in to your gate. The largest time sink is typically aviation security. Research typical queue times for your airport and factor in at least a 30-45 minute buffer just for this step. Arriving at the gate with time to spare is a proactive step that significantly reduces the stress and panic caused by rushing.

Stage 4: Assistance on the Plane

Here is what you must note to keep yourself stress free during the flight. 

• Secure Your Support System: 

You need to inform a close crew member or travel partner of your anxiety and the specific part of the flight you fear most. This sets up regular, reassuring check-ins and provides immediate support.

• Reframe with Purpose: 

Shift your focus from the discomfort of flying to the meaningful destination awaiting you. You can use your motivation for the trip as a powerful anchor against fear.

• Access Digital Calm: 

On international flights, actively seek out and use the in-flight guided meditations, for example-Stars of Aroha. Utilize these structured audio tools to help settle your nervous system.

• Breathe to De-Stress: 

To calm your anxiety, you need to execute long, slow, deep breaths. This deliberate action is a biological lever that engages your ‘rest and digest’ system, overriding the panic signals from your ‘fight or flight’ response.

• Engage Your Rational Mind: 

Your first step is to recognize the feeling, but your second is to distract yourself constructively. You can grab that book, start the crossword, hit play on the true crime podcast, or wrestle with a tricky math problem. This deliberate effort to keep your rational brain busy and anchored in the moment effectively ensures your emotional brain doesn’t take the lead.

• Normalize Turbulence: 

When the ride gets bumpy, keep in mind that discomfort doesn’t mean danger. Air New Zealand’s flight crew and pilots meet the highest training standards and use modern equipment to safely manage turbulence. The most important thing you can do is fasten your seatbelt, follow any directions from the crew, and relax and breathe.

Stage 5: After the Flight

Now that you have completed your flight, here is the time to triumph on your win of overcoming your fear. 

• Celebrate Your Win: 

Give yourself a huge pat on the back! You faced your fear, you flew, and you successfully navigated the discomfort. That’s a massive achievement.

• Focus on the Reality, Not the Worry: 

The reality is, your flight was a success, and you overcame your anxiety. Think about what you did: you prepared for the anxiety, you acknowledged it when it came up, and it disappeared when you landed. This positive experience is now your new reference point.

• Keep the Momentum Going: 

Don’t stop now. Book your next Air New Zealand flight and view it as another chance to practice your coping skills. Every flight you take makes the next one easier.

Also Read: Air New Zealand Unaccompanied Minor Special Assistance

Air New Zealand’s Sunflower Lanyard for those with a Fear of Flying

Travellers living with hidden disabilities, such as anxiety, find the journey overwhelming. To help ease the travel experience, Air New Zealand special assistance recognizes the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, an internationally recognized initiative designed to discreetly signal that a passenger may need a little extra patience, care, or support.

What is the Sunflower Lanyard?

The bright green lanyard decorated with sunflower motifs is a voluntary tool that passengers can wear to let Air New Zealand staff know they may require extra assistance. This could include:

• Additional time to prepare for check-in, boarding, or disembarking
  
• Clearer verbal instructions in place of body language or gestures
  
• Support with reading departure boards and signs
  
• Remaining with family or friends at all times
  
• More detailed information about what to expect during the journey
  

Furthermore, it’s important to note that while the lanyard signals the need for understanding, it does not provide priority services like queue-jumping, personal escorts, or wheelchair assistance.

The sunflower lanyard is a powerful yet discreet tool for travelers facing anxiety or other invisible disabilities. Wearing it signals to Air New Zealand’s trained crew that you may need more time, simpler instructions, or gentle reassurance throughout your airport experience. Their staff is ready to respond with supportive guidance and deep empathy.

Where to Get a Sunflower Lanyard?

If you are traveling through New Zealand, the sunflower scheme is available at major airports, including Auckland, Invercargill, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Queenstown, and Wellington. 

You can request a lanyard for free at the airport before travel, collect it on arrival, and keep it for future trips.

For those departing internationally, more details and resources can be found through the Hidden Disabilities website, which provides availability worldwide.

A Small Step Toward Hassle-Free Travel With Air New Zealand:

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard may seem like a simple accessory, but it carries a powerful message: “I may need a little more time and support.” For passengers living with anxiety, this initiative helps create a more inclusive, compassionate, and hassle-free journey with Air New Zealand.

Conclusion:

Air New Zealand is tackling the fear of flying head-on with a multi-faceted approach designed to boost passenger confidence and well-being. The evidence-based Flying Without Fear course and the cutting-edge oVRcome virtual reality therapy are two of the airline’s major projects. The covert Sunflower Lanyard campaign, which offers support and recognition to those in need of additional help, complements existing activities. Air New Zealand’s special assistance team helps anxious customers get over their worries and enjoy the freedom of flying by emphasizing thorough preparation, offering helpful in-flight coping mechanisms, and creating a safe and encouraging travel environment.

FAQs: