Is avoiding flying part of your business strategy?

Is the thought of your next business flight more stress-inducing than a crisis board meeting? For some business travellers the trip to the airport triggers anxiety which is not about the major presentation they are due to give, but actually about the thought of flying itself.

For those who experience nervousness, mild anxiety can start long before they get to the airport. However, the reason for the nerves can vary - from a dislike of being in an enclosed space to the fear of heights, turbulence, motion sickness or aircraft safety. Fortunately, only around 6 per cent of all people have aviophobia, a very real fear that prevents them from flying.

The good news is that flying is very safe and airlines are increasingly training staff to recognise nervous flyers, while also introducing in-flight meditation videos and audio programs to smooth the mind.

Virgin Australia (VA) has just gone one step further by launching a new program to identify and support nervous flyers. After discovering that more than 10 per cent of their guests experience high levels of nervousness when travelling, VA decide to do something to help travellers enjoy flying as much as they do.

The airline has spent the past year designing a program to assist these flyers on their journey. The program provides information and tools for travellers in the lead-up to travel, reassuring interactions on the day of travel and steps to reduce unnecessary stress.

From 9 September 2019 passengers on any VA operated flight can identify themselves as a nervous traveller when their booking is made – either through their travel manager or directly online. Travel bookers can then have the special code ‘LOVE’ added to the booking to flag these travellers to the airline. A week before travelling VA will provide nervous travellers with useful and encouraging information to help alleviate common concerns. Travellers will also receive an SMS message from the airline on the day of their travel for additional reassurance.

Once on board the aircraft, the VA cabin crew will know to keep an eye out for the nervous flyers and may touch base with them before or during the flight. The traveller can also access ‘Smiling Mind’ meditations on the VA Entertainment App along with some behind the scenes videos.

So if regular air travel is part of your role, ask your FCM Travel Solutions travel manager to identify you for some special reassurance to make your next Virgin Australia flight as stress-free as possible.

Naturally, travellers need to consent to being identified as a nervous flyer and to disclosing their personal information and contact details. This program is for guests who are already flying and would benefit from some support, it is not designed for those unable to travel due to a fear of flying.