Airports are fun places with the crowded crowds, the announcements announcing the last boarding of a flight to a far-flung destination, and the thrill of air travel. But many people suffer from a condition known as “airport anxiety,” and the entire process from check-in to boarding can feel like a panic attack.
Not to be confused with a fear of flying – the two can occur at the same time – airport anxiety is a specific emotion that arises from having to meet strict times and deadlines, having to remember and keep safe various documents, having to look out for children and family, and having to deal with crowded spaces, especially during peak travel times.
“Airport anxiety is more common than you might think,” says Dr. Ruhir Badiani, a family medicine physician at Cornerstone Clinic.
“For people with flying anxiety, there may be anticipatory anxiety about getting on a plane.”
She added: “For people with social anxiety, people who have experienced trauma, people with neurodevelopmental disorders, and especially people with sensory processing disorders, seeing lots of people, feeling lots of stimuli, hearing lots of noises, experiencing flickering lights and lots of moving bodies can be overwhelming. If you’re traveling with small children, the anxiety can be even worse.”
“Airport life” and everyday life
With so many different flights, nationalities, destinations and travellers feeling the effects of different time zones, airports can sometimes seem like a closed world unto themselves.
“Life at an airport feels different from your everyday life as you are not accustomed to the environment,” says Dr Salman Kareem, a psychiatrist at Aster Clinic, Discovery Gardens. “In your normal residential or work environment, you have control over your activities and schedule. But at an airport, there is strict airline schedules and procedural requirements that leave no room for time adjustment. Moreover, an airport is a place where you have to follow the rules as per the requirements.”
He adds: “Airport anxiety is not recognised as a distinct clinical diagnosis, but can be thought of as a specific symptom of generalised anxiety disorder, travel phobia or claustrophobia.”
For guests with invisible disabilities, our staff is trained to assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Airports
Seeing your fellow travelers or people on the road eating dinner at 7am, breakfast at 10pm, sleeping in mid-morning, or shopping at any time of the day can confuse your perception of what is “normal” in your current time zone.
“Airports are a transitional space between two destinations and can feel like you’re there and not here,” says Dr Badiani. “This leads to a sense of disconnection from the normal routine of everyday life. When you’re at an airport, you’re often more alert and aware of your surroundings because you have to check in, go through security and board the flight. This heightened awareness makes for a different experience than the mundane everyday experience.”
“The anticipation of combat, the isolation from everyday activities, and the mental stress all make ‘airport life’ feel very different from normal.”
Stressful areas for travelers
According to a 2019 Priority Pass survey on airport anxiety, the top five fears people have while traveling are being stuck on the way to the airport, lost luggage, delayed boarding, lost passports, and delays. Meanwhile, baggage claim is the most stressful part of the airport.
“The baggage check-in process can be stressful, especially if you’re worried about your baggage being overweight,” says organizational psychologist Nityashri Bhatt. “Standing in a long queue on a long-haul flight and hoping to get a good seat next to someone can also add to the tension. Bright lights, loud noises and frequent announcements can overwhelm the senses.”
What to do if you feel overwhelmed at the airport
Experts say it’s important to seek help if a panic attack hits, and advise that sharing your feelings with a travel companion is a proven way to reduce stress, along with focusing on breathing exercises and eating or drinking something.
“A panic attack is a brief, intense bout of anxiety,” says clinical psychologist Dr Jade Sayers. “The good news is that they usually only last around five to 20 minutes, so the first thing to know is that this will eventually pass. If you’re in an airport and start to feel panicked, the first thing to do is notice who’s around you. Are you traveling with someone who can support you through this?”
If you are traveling alone, try to find a quiet place away from busy areas or ask airport staff for help.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, dress comfortably, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep beforehand.
Dr Salman Kareem, Psychiatrist, Aster Clinic, Discovery Gardens
“Our medical facilities and response teams are available 24/7 and Guest Experience Ambassadors (GXAs) are stationed throughout the airport to guide guests to the nearest medical centre or pharmacy,” said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports. “For guests with hidden disabilities who are wearing sunflower lanyards, GXAs and frontline staff are trained to assess the situation and offer personalised assistance, which may include directing them to a quieter area or calling emergency medical personnel if necessary.”
Sayers adds: “Focus on your senses. What do you see around you? What do you hear, touch, smell, taste? Get moving, even if it’s just by stomping your feet in place, visualize a safe place, listen to music, or say positive phrases like ‘this will pass.'”
Reduce airport anxiety by planning ahead
Experts suggest that the most effective way to reduce stress and anxiety about traveling is to be as prepared as possible. Pre-booking transportation to the airport, having your passport on hand, having printed and digital copies of your documents, checking in online, and having plenty of toys and treats to keep little ones entertained are some easy ways to be more organized before your flight.
Travellers should also book and avail extra services such as early baggage claim. “During peak travel periods, we recommend staying up to date with the latest travel regulations for your destination,” says Al Joker.
“By familiarizing yourself with airline baggage rules, simplifying security by putting any metal objects in your carry-on, using smart gates to speed up passport control, and packing any necessary travel documents and power banks in your carry-on, you can reduce a lot of stress.”
He added: “We encourage our guests with invisible disabilities to use the online trip planner available on our website before they travel, which will help them plan their trip and understand the services available at Dubai Airport.”
It’s important to arrive early and familiarize yourself with procedures to reduce time anxiety. “To reduce stress at the airport, passengers should allow plenty of time to get to the airport, understand and plan for visa and boarding procedures, pack lightly if possible, dress comfortably, stay hydrated, and practice relaxation techniques,” says Dr. Kareem. “Getting plenty of sleep beforehand is also important.”
“We can’t control or know everything, but the goal here is to be as prepared as possible,” Dr. Sayers said.
Updated: July 3, 2024 8:37 AM
