Airport Anxiety: Why Do We Freak Out at the Airport and How To Avoid the Drama?

Airport anxiety is real. It can be debilitating and can wreak havoc on your travel days. But, airport anxiety can be minimized by following the suggestions from my travel blogger friends and me.

And guess what? You can start destressing for the airport experience before you even get there.

I have always been a traveler.

Throughout every season of my life, when someone needed a travel mate, I have been there with my suitcase overpacked ready to go. Always have been, and always will.

But, I have a confession to make. I do not like to fly.

What don’t I like? I’m not too fond of any of it, parking at the airport, checking in, paying the overweight fee, giving them my suitcase. I wouldn’t say I like the crowds, the lines, the grumpy people. Rushing to the gate makes me so anxious. And the boarding process. Ugh. All of this and the plane hasn’t even moved.

I have had to change my preparation for the self-inflicted airport drama.

But, more than that, I have had to change my mindset.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

What causes airport anxiety?

I polled my travel blogging friends about why they were so anxious at the airport, here is what Ann from Ann Plans Travel had to say.

Flying is one of my favorite parts of traveling. For some reason hopping on an airplane and heading somewhere new is exhilarating. It’s part of the adventure of going on vacation that I always look forward to. However, for me, the excitement doesn’t start until I’m waiting at my gate.

I get severe anxiety about going through security. The trigger for me is the process. Having to quickly rip off my shoes, make sure my laptop and other devices are in separate containers and that all my food items are taken out of my bag. Eating healthy while I travel is top priority so I always have multiple bags of vitamins, protein bars, nuts etc. If I don’t do everything exactly right, my bags are always pulled for security; increasing my anxiety due to the fear of missing my flight because I have to wait for my bag to get checked.

I’ve found that just showing up to the airport 30 minutes earlier than I normally would helps to relieve some of my anxiety, giving myself plenty of time to get through security.

Ann from Ann Plans Travel

A multitude of triggers can bring on airport anxiety.

For me, the root of the entire issue is my fear of flying. My anxiety starts creeping in a week before the actual travel day, and it just escalates. And then, the whole airport experience adds fuel to the flame.

But that’s just me.

There are many other reasons people are anxious at the airport, including:

• Not getting up on time.
• Worry about not having proper travel documents.
• Crowds and chaos.
• Germs.
• Keeping kids entertained and happy.
• Anxious people rushing around.
• Announcements in a different language.

The following things can rock even the calmest traveler. And you have to get through them; there is no way around it.

• Finding parking.
• The entire bag check process.
• Airport security line.
• Waiting in lines forever.
• And then the boarding process.

Erik from Erik the Hungry Traveller shared this story as to why he used to get nervous at the airport.

I am based in the Philippines, and there was a particular time when the international airport in Manila was under fire for allegedly placing bullets in the luggage of unsuspecting victims. They would then extort the passenger into giving them money instead of going to jail. During those times, I was absolutely anxious about flying, especially if my travel would require me to head to Manila. But it has all been resolved now, and those involved have already gotten the ax.

E. J. Requina from Erik the Hungry Traveller

Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids, who has three kids in her traveling party, experiences airport anxiety because of the crowds and the long lines.

However, she has developed techniques that help her navigate the airport chaos in an unrushed, safe, and calm manner.

One of the reasons I can get nervous in an airport is because of how busy they can be. Recently we navigated Orlando airport, which is one of the busiest in the country, the sheer quantity of people makes it hard to navigate, longer lines for everything -from check in to security to restaurants – but also keeping track of three kids. 

The way we get around this is to allow for a lot of extra time, so we aren’t rushed. I also simplify my packing, so I know I am only keeping track of a suitcase and a carry-on. We pack extra snacks in case we don’t have time for a meal, and we always “sandwich” our kids between us when walking (one adult in front and one adult in back) so that we have eyes on them at all times.

Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids,

Jay and Christi from Puddles and Passports are currently traveling the world with their two children, who are one and five years old.

Here is what they had to say about why they sometimes experience anxiety at the airport. Plus, they have a fantastic resource on how to keep your toddlers entertained on an airplane.

Airports are busy places. Delayed flights, gate changes, and crowded boarding areas alone are enough to keep even the calmest person on their toes. Add young kids to the mix, and travel days can feel like marathons.

For our family of four with two young kids (1-year-old and 5-year-old), the most common aspects of airports that cause us stress are long lines prior to flying (at the check-in counter and security checkpoints). Plus making sure that we’ve packed enough snacks and entertainment to keep the kiddos happy (or at least content). Happy kids equal happy parents, usually.

Jay and Christi from Puddles and Passports.

Disha from Disha Discovers experiences airport anxiety because of her fear of getting sick.

She has these tricks to lower her stress level and keep her healthy on travel day.

Flying can be nerve-racking sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be with proper preparation. My biggest cause of nervousness when it comes to flying is getting sick. I’m a germaphobe, and the amount of germs on airplanes induces so much stress. I always carry disinfecting wipes and wipe down my seat and tray table. I also take Echinacea before and after a flight to boost my immune system. Plus, I always carry hand sanitizer, and I use it a lot during inflight.

*Disclaimer ~ If you have a history of anxiety and/or panic attacks and you wish to see the world, please talk to your Primary Care Provider about your concerns before you travel. Your Physician may be able to provide you with antianxiety medication for you to have on hand, just in case. My intention is not to be a replacement for medical advice, especially if you have a history.*

Symptoms of Airport Anxiety.

• Insomnia the night before a flight.
• Heart racing.
• Stomach ache.
• Irritability.
• Overall tense feeling.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Frequently needing to use the restroom.
• Diarrhea.
• Facial flushing.

Airport Anxiety Prep.

Did you know that there are ways to diminish the likelihood of airport anxiety before you even leave home?

As you can see, anxiety occurs even in seasoned travelers. But, there are ways that you can prepare for your travel day to decrease the chances of this happening to you.

My friend, Raquel, from Meals and Mile Markers, has this to say about the week leading up to travel day.

Preventing anxiety during downtime at the airport is a 
process the traveler should begin days before the flight. The week of your departure will be full of “Don’t forget to _____” type thoughts. 
Write these down on two lists: a packing list and a preparing for vacation list. Check everything off these lists and pack them into 
your carry-on luggage. Then when you are sitting at the airport, you 
have so many fewer things to stress about! Whenever you think, “Did I 
remember to confirm my hotel reservation?” or “Did I put the key where 
I told the pet-sitter to find it?” you can look at the list and reassure yourself that you did.

Raquel from Meals and Mile Markers

Here is more practical advice in leading up to travel day to diminish the odds of airport anxiety.

Rachael, from Tea With Mum, is one of the lucky ones. She is not a nervous traveler. Imagine that? But, she still incorporates certain tasks to help her keep her cool on travel day.

Here is her take on pre-travel prep.

I‘m not a nervous flyer – practice, I guess. I triple-check that I have my passport, any necessary travel docs, and any letters or copies I might need to take my daughter out of the country (we have different surnames and passports, so there are often questions).

I have my phone fully charged and a charging cable (under 1 m) in my bag (any longer, and it might be taken away as a weapon). Anything else I can wing because you can never think of all the things that can go wrong.

I do get nervous about oversleeping and missing a flight (almost did that twice), so I have multiple alarms and what I want to put on set out the night before. And definitely, a window seat if possible – though it does give you a view of how your suitcase is being mistreated by ground personnel.

Rachael from Tea With Mum

Tips on what you can do prior to arrival at the airport to help you maintain a calm, peaceful, seamless travel day.

• Make a checklist of everything you need in your carry-on bag, including all necessary travel documents. Check things off as you place them in your carry-on bag (and don’t remove them).
• If you like having everything printed, include this on your checklist. I use a travel journal for all of my printable documents.
• Some say to book an early flight because the airport will be less busy, and you will arrive at your destination in time for some fun.
• If your family is not happy with super early flights (e.g., mine), a late morning or afternoon flight will lessen the rush in the morning, and you may even have time to exercise before your long day of travel.
• Take advantage of online check-in when available. Check-in early. Once you arrive at the airport, find the kiosk, answer some quick questions, print your bag tags, attach them, and hand over your bags.
• Sign up for TSA Precheck. The cost is $85 for five years to speed through security and not have to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belts, and light jackets. Worth it to me.

**If you are a master travel hacker or finances permit, book first class, you will have priority boarding, access to the airport lounge, plus the flight is glorious with tons of space, movies, games, and an adult beverage before the plane leaves the gate. Although, once you experience first-class, it is difficult to go back to anything less.**

Alleviate Airport Anxiety Altogether With These Actionable Tips.

It's Travel Day. Let's start with being in tip-top physical shape when you arrive at the airport.

• Don't tie one on the night before your travel. You will have an upset stomach, headache, and will have difficulty concentrating; a terrible condition to be in to start your holiday.
• Get a good night's sleep; another way to ensure that you are feeling fresh and concentrating on everything you need to do.

Jennie Marie, a Licensed Marriage and Family, and travel blogger at Vivid Venturer had some excellent advice on how to ensure that you get your sleep the night before travel day.

One of the biggest causes of stress while traveling is not obtaining a full night's sleep before your departure. The night before your scheduled flight, it's important to double your efforts to ensure a full 8 hours of good sleep. Reduce your caffeine intake that day, plan to go to bed early, use aromatherapy (lavender oil can be so calming), or indulge in whatever else aids your sleep. One of my favorites is Sleep Time Extra tea; this tea helps your body to relax and sleep more peacefully. Being well-rested will help prepare your mind to remain calm, controlled, and less anxious.

If you do find yourself falling into an anxious thought pattern the night before travel, try utilizing a grounding exercise, such as "54321 Method," to help manage your thoughts. Start with 4,7, 8 deep breathing: inhale for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, exhale deeply for a count of 8.  Repeat four times. This type of breathing can help calm your thoughts.

Now take a moment to look around you and note five things you can see. Now close your eyes, acknowledge four things around you that you can touch, three things around you that you can hear, and two things around you that you can smell. Lastly, acknowledge one positive thing about yourself, something you are grateful for today—repeat 4, 7, 8 breathing technique four more times.

Jennie Marie from Vivid Venturer

• Eat a healthful breakfast, something light and easily digestible.
• If there is time in the morning, go for a walk, jog, or hit the gym. Exercising is refreshing, plus it will get some of that nervous energy out so you can relax on the plane, and maybe even take a nap.

A resounding "Get There Early" was the number one piece of advice from just about every travel blogger who replied to my questions.

Jay and Christi one up'd everyone by saying, "get there doubly early." And I agree wholeheartedly with their advice to put time on your side.

Lines at airports are unavoidable. To mitigate the stress that can arise when you're stuck in a long airport line with minutes until your flight's boarding door closes, arrive at the airport early. If you have kids, arrive at the airport doubly early. Everyone needs time to use the restroom, grab a snack, and find your gate. It's way better to have extra time to relax in an airport coffee shop on the other side of the security checkpoint than to be biting your nails through check-in and running to your gate. Put time on your side.

Jay and Christi of Puddles and Passports.

If you have a super early flight, consider staying at the airport hotel.

I'm a traveler with anxiety, and I always go to the airport waaaaay earlier than necessary, like the night before a morning flight or usually around 5 hours before afternoon or evening flight. This might sound a little crazy, but if I don't I will go into anxiety meltdown mode."

Cati, a blogger at Quarterlifecrisis Travels, DM'd me with this message. And, Cati, I totally get it.

The Airport Hotel is set up for those of us who are terribly stressed on travel day. Airport hotels are peaceful and quiet, and many connect directly to the airport. Ask them to give you a wake-up call, plus set your alarm, put out the comfortable clothes and shoes you plan on wearing, recheck your carry-on checklist, and have a relaxing night's sleep before you fly off to your adventure.

Prep your fanny pack like Daisy.

No matter how often I fly, I compulsively check for my phone, wallet, passport, and boarding passes about a thousand times from the moment I get in the car to head to the airport until I get off the last plane. It's non-stop. I finally got (much to my fashionable daughter's dismay) a fanny pack that I wear through the airport with only these essentials in it, so I never have to panic and frantically dig through my larger carry-on bag for them. Bonus: fanny packs don't count as one of your carry-on items.

Daisy Luther Nomadic Lifestyle Blogger

Carry-On Essentials for a Long Haul Flight.

How to relieve stress while waiting at the gate.

I recommend deep breathing exercises and noise-canceling headphones to have some ambient yoga tunes to drown out the chaos. Sitting and waiting for a flight can be nerve-wracking, airports have plenty of space to walk, and physical activity is a great way to burn off some nervous energy.

Maura Blackstone runs a health and wellness blog at Empower Your Wellness.

Tips and Tricks for keeping your cool at the gate.

• Keep yourself entertained.
• Take a stroll around the terminal, keeping a close watch on the time.
• Listen to your favorite playlist on your noise-canceling headphones.
• Read your travel guides and dream about your destination.
• Read a book or magazine.

Occasionally I am a nervous flyer, so I have found some techniques to help. So for me, I have to get there in plenty of time if there is a tie-up at security and I make sure I can sit at one of the restaurants and have something to eat, especially for early morning flights. Also, I sign up for the travel alerts from the airline.

Liz Johnson at Johnson Party of Five.

And here's more.

• Make a TikTok with your kids.
• Catch up on Podcasts.
• Watch a movie on Netflix.
• Stretch out in the airport lounge, if you can.
• Close your eyes, deep breath, relax your body.

Words of travel wisdom from Raquel.

Now that you're not worried about anything leading up to the flight, the only thing nagging at your mind is the flight itself. Be sure to allow yourself extra time to arrive at the airport, go through security, and find your terminal. Once you know where you will begin boarding, you may choose to find the bathroom, grab a bite to eat or stretch your legs. Just keep an eye on the clock and return before time to board.

If you choose to grab a seat and wait for the boarding to begin, be sure to pack something that will occupy your mind space: perhaps a book, headphones, or even a laptop if you will be working while you travel. While you enjoy passing the time, keep an eye or an ear open to your surroundings so you will not lose track of time or miss any announcements. Even simply keeping your boarding pass handy may relieve some anxiety as it prevents you from trying to remember any important details before reaching into your purse yet again to confirm them!

Raquel from Meals and Mile Markers

And my personal favorite bit of advice is from Sasha.

She always has the best tips for me.

Sasha, from Everyday She's Sparkling, says that she drinks wine as soon as she is through security, no matter the time. I am with you, Sasha.

Find a Therapy Dog to Pet to Help Soothe Airport Anxiety.

A few airports have hired therapy dogs to soothe your airport anxiety. These programs began after 9/11 to help ease passenger's stress over flying. According to the Therapy Dog Alliance, the goal of the program is "to bring people together and to help them benefit from the relaxation that comes from petting a dog."

They have petting stations throughout the terminals, and some of the therapy dogs wear sweaters that say, "pet me." 

Here is a list of airports that hire therapy dogs to help alleviate fears and anxiety and bring a bit of peace.

• The Wag Brigade of San Francisco International Airport has 22 dogs, and guess what else? A therapy Pig! Not kidding.
• The Los Angeles International Airport has the PUP program (Pets Unstressing Passengers), which now has 80 dogs available for destressing snuggles.
• Buffalo Niagara has the Paws for Love program who work extra hours in the dead of winter when flights are commonly canceled or delayed due to bad weather.
• San Antonio International Airport in Texas has Pups and Planes.
• The Sacramento International Airport has BARC, the "Boarding Area Relaxation Corps."
• Denver International Airport has a fleet of more than 100 therapy dogs (and a cat) to snuggle. The program is known as CATS, the "Canine Airport Therapy Squad."

Proper Etiquette During the Boarding Process.

Are y'all annoyed by this? I am.

Personal space, people.

Boarding a plane is always amazing to me; it brings out the best and worst in people—a lot like money. A person who is inherently kind and gracious will have even more; but if they were ever going to lose it, then boarding a plane with the rest of the "Joes & Janes" will turn there jerk meter on full throttle.

Trina from Redneck Rhapsody.

When it comes time to board the airplane, keep these tips in mind.

• Be kind above anything else.
• Put your phone down and pay attention.
• Don't crowd the person in front of you. Give people (me) space.
• Don't be *Gate Lice*. See below.
• Be prepared when it is your turn. Have your ticket ready to show.
• When you arrive at your seat, step in, and let people pass.
• Don't hog the overhead bin. Use the space below your seat for stuff, too.
• Put your seatbelt on and turn your devices to airplane mode.

*Gate Lice* ~ According to the Urban Dictionary, a passenger, often inexperienced flyers, who crowd around or line up at a gate at an airport completely blocking the boarding area and preventing First and Business Class passengers from being able to get on the plane when it is their turn. Gate Lice can also cause delays and confusion if a passenger in a wheelchair needs to board as the chair has to plow through the mass of gate lice hovering around the gate.

Airports are the gateway to seeing the world. Yes, airport anxiety is a real issue, but if you are a traveler at heart, you know that you have to fly to live out your dreams. Even the most seasoned travelers experience anxiety at airports, but they have a list of tips and tricks that keep them calm.

There are many ways to manage your anxiety at the airport. You can do this, and you will be grateful you pushed through.

Now, book your flight and see the world.