Airline meals 'soothe' fearful flyers

Eating inflight meals is the main way in which passengers scared of flying calm their fears, according to new research.

A survey by Alpha Airports Group has found that while three-quarters of flyers say they are scared of taking to the air, more than 40 per cent turn to airline food as a way of combating their fears.

Traditional comfort snacks such as chocolate and sweets were the most popular for this purpose, while one in ten passengers said that pre-flight boozing helped to soothe their nerves.

"Being served food inflight stirs up nourishing, comforting memories of meals surrounded by family and friends," commented psychologist Corinne Sweet.

"This satisfying ritual is often associated with happy, carefree times, so can help you relax."

Other activities found to be undertaken by holidaymakers looking to forget their sky-high worries included reading, crossword puzzles, listening to music on mp3 players and drinking during the flight.

Virgin Atlantic currently runs a number of courses at airports across the UK designed to help passengers overcome their fear of flying.

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