✈️ Airport Rules, Plane Fears & Why I Still Fly Anyway
Some mornings I wake up with travel already running through my head.
A photo.
A memory.
A familiar feeling.
And suddenly my mind is flooded with places I’ve been, trips I’ve taken, and the quiet lessons travel has taught me along the way.
That’s one of the reasons Off Script Travel Co exists — as a place to relive those moments, reflect on what shaped me, and share the small, honest realities of travel that don’t always make it into glossy brochures.
If you’re new here, you can read how Off Script Travel Co began in my post about how it all started.
Today, my thoughts landed firmly in transit mode.
More specifically: airports, planes, and the personal rules I’ve created to keep flying enjoyable — even when fear sneaks in.
My Airport & Plane Rules (Yes, I Have Them)
Over the years, I’ve learned that I’m particular about how I move through airports and where I sit on planes.
One non-negotiable?
Lounge access.
For me, having Koru membership isn’t about the free snacks or a nicer chair (though those don’t hurt). It’s about ease. Shorter queues. Breathing room. And, most importantly, access to seats in the front half of economy.
I’d honestly rather pay an annual membership fee than repeatedly fork out for “good seats.” And that’s because those seats help me manage two fears that show up every time I fly.
Fear of Turbulence (The Irrational Kind)
I didn’t always fear turbulence.
For years, I travelled frequently for work and holidays. I’d been through rough patches in the air before and generally handled flying just fine. That changed in 2008 — thanks to a ride on the Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure Park.
I’d ridden it before. I was fine.
But that day, something in my brain flipped.
I walked off the ride shaking — probably adrenaline — but ever since then, that sudden dropping sensation (the kind turbulence sometimes brings) triggers instant panic. White-knuckled armrests. Shallow breathing. That overwhelming here it comes feeling.
On one short flight from Auckland to Wellington, I was so shaken that I was practically sitting in my nana’s lap — as much as the seatbelt would allow.
And yet… I still fly.
Because those moments of fear are outweighed by what waits on the other side of the journey:
new destinations, new cultures, new experiences.
One day, I hope this fear loosens its grip. But until then, it doesn’t get to decide how I live — or where I go.
Claustrophobia & The Dash to Get Off the Plane
The second fear is claustrophobia, and it always kicks in at the same moment.
You know the one.
The seatbelt sign clicks off.
Everyone stands up.
And then… nothing moves.
You’re stuck. Doors closed. People packed in. Waiting.
Is it impatience? Maybe.
Is it an irrational spiral of what if something happened right now and I can’t get off? Definitely.
To manage airport anxiety and plane claustrophobia, I’ve created a system:
Front half of economy
Aisle seat
On larger planes, the middle aisle — so I’m only blocking one person, not two
Yes, I sacrifice the window view.
But in return, I get peace of mind — and a quicker exit.
Is it perfect? Probably not.
But it works for me. And most importantly, it keeps me travelling.
Fear Doesn’t Get to Cancel the Adventure
Travel doesn’t have to look fearless to be meaningful.
Sometimes it looks like gripping armrests.
Choosing seats strategically.
Paying for comfort where you can.
And getting on the plane anyway.
If you struggle with fear of flying, turbulence anxiety, or airport stress, you’re not alone. Loving travel and feeling anxious about flying can exist in the same breath.
If these reflections are your sign — here it is:
Do it. Go!
Endure a little discomfort for a world of culture, connection, and experiences you simply can’t get by staying put.
Some of the quieter reflections and behind-the-scenes thoughts from this journey live over on Patreon, for those who want to go a little deeper.
Over to You
Do you have any fears, routines, or non-negotiables when it comes to airports or flying — and how do you manage
And tell me… are you team window seat or aisle?
