Confessions of an anxious traveller

I have always been an anxious traveller. I always worry about going through airport security. This year, I went on a trip with my friends over the summer and became the ‘dad’ of the group, making sure we all met up at the airport in good time and made it home in one piece.  

Like many travellers, I am very anxious about flying. I always stress out at security when I get pulled aside for them to check my shoes, thinking I may have some drug residue on them despite never touching drugs in my life!

But the most fearful part of the airport for me and probably for most of you is the worry that you may miss your plane

But the most fearful part of the airport for me and probably for most of you is the worry that you may miss your plane. It is now common knowledge to me that I need to get to the airport at least two hours before the flight to make sure I get through security in good time. But I always have that worry that maybe two hours is not long enough, and I end up arriving at the airport maybe three hours early. And then, most of the time, I end up getting through security so quickly that I have to sit around for the next few hours just waiting to board.  

A new tactic I have learnt recently to cope with the fear of the plane leaving without me is reminding myself that even if you are late at the airport and it is final boarding time, and they announce your name on the speakers, you can explain to security your situation and they may let you jump to the front of the queue. But this is not always guaranteed and depends on the specific airport and your situation.  

I’m sure by doing this, you will notice that the thing you are anxious about is actually very small and unlikely to happen

Another thing I remind myself is what the worst-case scenario would be. Most of the time, the worst thing that can happen is you miss your flight, and you have to buy a ticket for the next one which could even be on the same day if you are going/leaving from a popular destination. And most of the time the airlines offer cheaper fees called a “rescue fare” for getting booked onto another flight; if you have travel insurance, it may cover your missed flight expenses. Worst case scenario, you have to spend a few more days on holiday and pay a bit more money on a new flight, and by thinking of it like this, I realise that missing my flight (despite being very unlikely) is not a massive issue.   

So, if you ever feel anxious about travelling, I recommend always trying to rationalise how unlikely the thing you are worrying about is, and what the worst-case scenario might be. I’m sure by doing this, you will notice that the thing you are anxious about is actually very small and unlikely to happen.