Following the unprecedented steps to shave 10% of all scheduled flights across 40 of America’s busiest airports, it is understandable that some travelers may be apprehensive about taking their next flight. 
Delta Air Lines took a personal approach to the situation, with a pre-departure annoucement from a Delta pilot going viral on TikTok, where he confirmed that the plane would not move an inch unless both pilots believed it was safe to do so.
Shared by the Sisterhood of Travelers, the captain of the flight reminded passengers that the aircraft would always remain on the apron until they deemed it safe to fly. So far, the video has been viewed almost ten million times and received more than 1.3 million likes.
Re-Assurance During Challenging Times
The need for the captain to reassure passengers comes at a time when the aviation industry across the United States is feeling the pinch. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, air traffic controllers are requested to work unpaid, and are expected to work additional overtime, while their livelihoods remain in the balance. In addition to this, TSA staff are also working unpaid, with many taking up additional jobs to simply pay the bills. This ongoing impact on air travel has seen lines as long as three hours at Houston airport, and led to the FAA directive requesting 10% of all scheduled flights at major US airports be cancelled to strengthen the resilience of the system.
This, paired with the recent deadly incident, including a UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft crashing into the ground shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Standiford Field (SDF), has seen an increase in the number of nervous fliers. The number of terrifying videos that have shown the aircraft burst into a ball of flame and kill the three crew members onboard, alongside 11 innocent bystanders, has led to increased anxiety across the sector. The Captain’s message acknowledged:
“I know we probably have quite a few nervous flyers today. It is perfectly understandable… this aircraft does not move a single inch unless both my co-captain Michael and myself are absolutely certain it’s safe to do so.”
Silences The Entire Plane
As the captain made the heartfelt message, it was identified that it silenced the entire plane and led to many passengers becoming emotional. The captain again reminded everyone onboard that the flight would not operate if they did not think the plane was safe, and that it is common to feel anxious following such high-profile events that have been occurring in recent weeks.
The captain encouraged passengers to text their friends and family before takeoff, and to think happy thoughts, such as their favourite spot to enjoy an ice cream. This was hoped to calm nerves and ensure that passengers feel like they could trust the flight crew.
Many have taken to social media to share the videos of the now famous pilot delivering his annoucement before the flight. The flight eventually cleared all pre-flight checks, departed, and flew safely to its final destination.
Common Causes Of Travel Anxiety
Travel anxiety is common and can be caused by the fear of the unknown and other logistical worries. These can stem from paranoia over health and safety, or fears of specific modes of travel. Separation from loved ones and past negative experiences can also fuel the fear of travel.
The most common is the fear of the unknown, given that travel can take you to new and unfamiliar environments, where you may not be able to speak the language or adjust to the new way of life. Stress from planning, booking, and packing can raise your anxiety levels before even arriving at the airport, paired with crowds or the fear of claustrophobia once at the airport or on the plane.
Remedies that can help minimise travel anxiety can include being able to identify your triggers, and focusing on breathing or meditation to distract you from the stress and anxiety that can often overwhelm the best of us in these situations. Preparing well in advance, including organising your itinerary, ensuring you have all the right travel documents, packing smart, and using a checklist, are all simple ways you can help minimise the effects of travel anxiety for your next trip.
