When turbulence is a particular worry, deciding what to listen to in advance can make your next flight feel more manageable, one moment at a time.

If turbulence is the part of flying you think about most, it may be difficult to choose what to do once you are in the air. A simple listening plan made before departure can give you an option to return to without searching your phone while you feel unsettled.

Before the flight

Download the audio you want to use and check that it works without a connection. Save the section you expect to need, and keep your headphones where you can reach them. You might also tell a travel companion that a little quiet time with headphones helps you. These are small preparations, but they remove a few decisions from the flight itself.

During the flight

Follow cabin crew instructions, including those about seatbelts and devices. If listening is possible, begin or repeat the audio you chose. You could bring your attention to a voice, the feel of the seat beneath you, or an object you can see. There is no requirement to enjoy the experience or make an anxious feeling disappear.

If listening stops being helpful, change your plan. Pause it, speak to your companion, or simply wait for the moment to pass. A plan is there to support you, not to become another rule you must follow.

Choose audio you can return to

SkyCalm Audio: The In-Flight Anxiety Companion has sections for turbulence as well as other parts of the journey. Its format lets you skip between sections or listen again when you want the same reassurance. It is a supportive companion, not a treatment or a guarantee that you will feel calm.

The NHS self-help guidance for phobias offers broader options, and a qualified professional can help if your fear is significantly affecting your life.

Listen: Explore SkyCalm Audio on Audible UK. Eligible new customers may see a trial offer; check the terms and any ongoing membership charges before joining.

Disclosure: This is a Main Publishing title. We may earn a commission if an eligible customer joins Audible and chooses SkyCalm through this link.