My Natural Pre-Flight Routine for Anxious Flyers
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I'll be honest with you - flying hasn't always been easy for me. The loss of control when those doors close, the sounds the plane makes, the turbulence that comes out of nowhere. For years, I just white-knuckled my way through it. But over time, I've built a routine that genuinely helps me feel calm, prepared, and actually present on my flights. And yes, it involves a few Laki products - because I created them for exactly this reason.
Here's everything I do, from packing my bag to landing at my destination.
Before I Leave the House
It all starts with packing the right things. My travel bag always includes:
- Fly Calm Patch - this is non-negotiable. It's the first thing I pack.
- Immune Boost Patch - airports and planes are germ central. I always wear one when I travel to support my immunity.
- Calm Flow Lavender Nasal Inhaler - fits in my pocket, instant calm whenever I need it.
- Travel Soothe Peppermint Nasal Inhaler - for headaches or that yucky feeling you sometimes get mid-flight.
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Warming & Relaxing Eye Masks - I use these on long-haul flights or when I land. They soothe tired eyes and honestly just make me feel pampered and calm.
- Mini essentials of anything I might need - including a hand sanitizer, hand lotion and lip balm.
- A good book on my Kindle
- Noise cancelling headphones
- A cozy scarf - for comfort and warmth
- A neck pillow for long flights
At the Airport
One of the most important things I do is stay hydrated. I either buy water at the airport or fill my water bottle before I board. Dehydration makes everything worse on a plane - it amplifies anxiety, causes headaches, and leaves you feeling terrible on arrival. Water first, always.
I also check Turbli before I fly. It's a website that shows you the turbulence forecast for your route. I know that might sound counterintuitive - won't knowing about turbulence make it worse? For me, being prepared actually helps. Surprises are harder than things I know are coming.
Boarding - When I Put On the Fly Calm Patch
About 20 minutes before boarding, I apply my Fly Calm Patch. Sometimes I wait and put it on once I'm seated on the plane - either works. I put it somewhere discreet, usually on my inner wrist, and let the natural botanicals - lavender, ashwagandha, magnesium, L-theanine, and chamomile - start doing their thing.
The Fly Calm Patch is designed to take the edge off. It helps me settle in, feel calmer in my body, and actually be present on the flight rather than bracing for every sound.
I also apply my Immune Boost Patch at this point if I haven't already. Planes are enclosed spaces with recirculated air - supporting your immune system while you travel just makes sense.
On the Flight
Once I'm in my seat - I always choose an aisle seat so I can easily get up when I need to - I set myself up for the flight.
My in-flight essentials:
Music is everything. I have a dedicated travel playlist that I always listen to when I fly. There's something about familiar music that signals safety to my nervous system. I also have a special turbulence playlist for when things get bumpy - it helps me get through the rough patches.
Deep breathing. When anxiety spikes I come back to my breath. Slow inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. It works.
My Calm Flow Inhaler. I keep this in my pocket throughout the flight. During turbulence, especially, I reach for it. One deep breath of lavender and I feel my nervous system start to settle. It's become a genuine comfort ritual for me.
Downloaded TV shows and movies. I always have several options downloaded onto my iPad before I fly - different lengths and genres depending on how I'm feeling or how long the flight is. Having choices matters. Sometimes I want a comfort show I've seen a hundred times. Sometimes I want to be absorbed in something new.
Eye masks on long haul. On longer flights I use my Soothing Under Eye Masks. They're enriched with collagen, hyaluronic acid, rose oil, vitamin E and vitamin A. They reduce puffiness, soothe tired eyes, and honestly just feel luxurious - which helps when you're 35,000 feet in the air and could use a little comfort.
Travel Soothe for the rough moments. If I get a headache or start feeling yucky - which can happen on longer flights - I reach for my Travel Soothe Nasal Inhaler. One breath and the crisp peppermint genuinely helps.
The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
The biggest thing that's helped me isn't any product - it's accepting that some flights will be uncomfortable and that's okay. Turbulence is normal. The sounds planes make are normal. My anxiety is a signal, not a fact.
When I stopped trying to control every aspect of the flight and started focusing on what I could control - my routine, my tools, my breath - everything got easier.
Ready to Fly Calm?
I've put together the Travel Calm Kit with minis of my favourite travel essentials - everything you need to feel calm, supported, and prepared from takeoff to landing. It's the easiest way to start your own fly calm routine.
All plant-based. Paraben-free. Made in the USA.
Because calm isn't a luxury. It's essential.
Tiffany xo
Laki Naturals products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have medical concerns.