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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Do you have a fear of flying? 10 flight attendant-approved tips to deal with flight anxiety
Nervous about your next flight? You're not alone. Whether it's turbulence, takeoff jitters or just the chaos of navigating the airport, flying can be a major source of stress for many travellers. Luckily, if you're someone who finds flying nerve-wracking, there are a number of things you can do to alleviate stress and make your trip as smooth as possible. We spoke to a flight attendant to get her tips on how to stay cool and comfortable in the air. Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, and has nearly a decade of experience in the travel industry. From handling turbulence to practicing calming rituals, keep scrolling to see her tips for stress-free flying. It may seem obvious, but planning ahead can save you tons of stress when travelling. Huynh recommends having a solid plan for getting to the airport and accounting for checking in for your flight, dropping off any luggage and getting through security. She says arriving to the airport three hours before your flight is a great way to alleviate pre-flight jitters. "If you're there three hours before the flight, then you have time to relax, grab a coffee and all that," she says. "It's never a bad idea to get to the airport early." Many might prefer a carry-on bag, but by checking your luggage, you don't have to worry about fighting for overhead bin space. "I think that's a big stressor for a lot of people, trying to get on a plane early to fight for that space," Huynh says. If the thought of checking a bag is stressful for you, consider using an AirTag or another luggage tracker to track your luggage. Huynh notes that some airlines also allow you to track your checked luggage through an app. "Through the app, you can check where your bag is," she says. "It tells you when your bag is being loaded, or when your bag has been unloaded ... I find that gives [travellers] more peace of mind." However, Huynh says you should always keep your must-haves in your carry-on just in case your luggage does go missing. "If you're going to check [a bag] then keep your essentials on you and a spare outfit, as well as your snacks, your entertainment, your water and your passport," she says. Speaking of clothing, you'll want to make sure you're dressed comfortably for your flight. "You want to dress for the conditions. I always say bring a sweater and an extra pair of pants," she advises. "What are you going to do if you get cold?You can't buy a new outfit on the plane." "You don't have to wear sweatpants or a jogging suit — you can still dress nice and be comfortable," she adds. If you're someone who gets cold easily, a wrap or cardigan is handy to have. You can also ask the cabin crew to adjust the temperature in the plane, says Huynh. If you're nervous about flying, keeping yourself distracted during the flight can help. "Bring music or a book, puzzles, your Nintendo Switch, an eye mask if you want to sleep," says Huynh. something," If you're going to rely on the in-flight entertainment, make sure you also pack a pair of headphones — specifically the kind with an audio jack. If you start to feel stressed before or during your flight, mindful breathing techniques can help to calm your nervous system. Deep breathing, for instance, allows the body to exchange more oxygen for carbon dioxide, helping to slow down your heart rate and stabilize your blood pressure. "I personally love the idea of that," says Huynh. "If you can, [I] highly recommend it." She says other ways to de-stress could be do to some movement, or even to practice meditation and mindfulness before your flight. "I've seen people do yoga in the airport and bring their yoga mats with them," she says. Certain medicines and treatments can also help ease in-flight anxiety. Huynh says she loves to carry a pocket pharmacy, like this one from Saje, which contains multiple essential oils meant to calm, revitalize and uplift. "Some people also use Gravol to help with nausea from flight anxiety," she says. She adds that melatonin can also be helpful for travellers heading overseas or to different time zones. "If it's a long flight, they can just sleep and it helps them adjust to the [time change] better," she says. Give yourself some extra peace of mind by choosing your seat in advance. "If you're someone that stresses [about flying], I'd recommend paying to choose your seat early," says Huynh. "Something that stresses out a lot of people is not sitting with their group." For instance, you may want an aisle seat so that you have easy access to get up and stretch your legs or use the bathroom. "Some people prefer getting on the plane quickly and getting off the plane quickly, so those are usually the front to middle seats," adds Huynh. "If you can get on the plane early and get comfortable and organize yourself, that gives you extra time to settle in for your adventure." Where you sit on the plane can even affect how much turbulence you experience. In general, the back of the plane tends to swing more when there's turbulence, so if it amps up your anxiety, you may want to avoid sitting there. But Huynh stresses turbulence "is really never something to worry about." "It's caused by air pockets from other planes flying in different directions," she says "and [areas over] water are usually going to be more turbulent than land." "And of course, if it's a really windy day, you can also probably expect a bit of turbulence," she adds. "Something that will keep you safe and less stressed is having your seat belt on during those times," she adds. It goes without saying that you should follow safety advice of the flight crew when flying, but it can also help alleviate in-flight worries. "The best way to handle emergencies is to be prepared," says Huynh. "So actually paying attention to the safety demonstration from the flight attendants or from the screen, and knowing where the exits are, your alternate exits, knowing what to do if there's going to be a hard landing." She also recommends keeping your seatbelt on when you're in your seat, a practice that can provide added peace of mind when dealing with a turbulent route. "Even if the seatbelt sign is off, because anything could happen," she says. At the end of the day, Huynh says you can take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, your flight crew has got your back. "Whatever happens, just trust that your crew can handle it and get you out," she says. She notes that the flight crew is trained to deal with a wide variety of situations in the air. "Some people may need help that turns into a medical emergency, and we're qualified to help with that. Some people just need someone to talk to. And some people just need a snack," she says. If you're feeling stressed, she says you can absolutely call a flight attendant over to talk to. "There are so many different solutions, and we're always happy to provide them."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: Major US, European airlines suspend flights to Dubai, Doha, and gulf hubs
Airspace over Iran, Israel, and parts of the Gulf fell silent Friday, with flight trackers showing vast no-fly zones spreading across the region/ Image generated using AI for creative and illustrative purposes A number of major American and European airlines have suspended flights to key destinations in the Arabian Gulf, as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, now entering their second week. The decisions come amid fears of broader regional fallout and the potential for US military involvement in strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. American Airlines Group Inc., Finnair Oyj, United Airlines Holdings Inc., Air France-KLM, British Airways, and Air Canada have all altered flight operations to the region. Many of these changes directly affect some of the busiest and typically stable transit points in the Middle East. American Airlines has suspended its daily flights from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar, with the last return flight to the US departing early Thursday. The airline stated the service is on hold until June 22. United Airlines paused its daily service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai, announcing it would resume flights only "when it's safe." Finnair has also halted service to Doha. Air France-KLM canceled multiple Dubai-bound flights this week. British Airways suspended routes to Bahrain until the end of the month, citing "operational constraints and airspace restrictions." Air Canada suspended its Dubai flights as per an update on its official website. These changes mark a significant shift, as the Gulf region, particularly Dubai (home to Emirates) and Doha (home to Qatar Airways)—has remained mostly unaffected during nearly two years of elevated tensions in the Middle East. Historically, cancellations were limited to airspace near direct conflict zones or missile flight paths, such as in and around Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Heightened Risk and Strategic Concerns in the Region The latest cancellations reflect the growing unease in areas generally considered safe for international transit. Tehran has issued multiple warnings, threatening to strike US military bases in the Gulf if Washington proceeds with any action against Iran. Notably, Iran has threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil shipments that borders the UAE and Oman. On Friday, flight tracking services showed large stretches of airspace over Iran, Israel, and nearby countries completely deserted—an unusual but stark indication of risk. That same day, Israel blocked overflights and Iran suspended operations at Tehran's main airport. Neighboring countries, including Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, have repeatedly opened and closed their airspace in response to the volatile military exchanges between Israel and Iran. Access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a facility used by multinational forces, was temporarily restricted, according to a statement by the US Embassy in Qatar. The base is a key strategic site in the region, housing the largest US military presence in the Middle East, with over 45,000 service members spread across 19 sites, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Bahrain, meanwhile, continues to host the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. Safety Concerns for Travelers and Airlines American Airlines cited an official warning from the US Embassy in Qatar as a key reason for suspending service. The embassy had advised US citizens and staff to 'exercise increased vigilance,' avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, stay alert in public spaces associated with the US, and 'keep a low profile.' This advisory was published Thursday on the US State Department website. The airline stated: "We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed." United Airlines also confirmed that it had paused flights as of Thursday and would evaluate resumption 'when it's safe.' Delta Air Lines and United had already suspended their services to Tel Aviv earlier this month, after Israel launched air strikes on Iranian targets. Aviation in Conflict Zones: A Troubling Precedent The dangers of operating in volatile regions were highlighted by a tragic incident in late 2024, when an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet was hit, likely by a Russian surface-to-air missile, while approaching Grozny. The aircraft attempted to divert but ultimately crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. This followed the infamous 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine by a Russian missile, killing 298 people.
CTV News
19 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Canadian Competition Bureau says Montreal-Trudeau airport should end its monopoly
Canada's Competition Bureau is recommending an end to Montreal-Trudeau airport's monopoly on international flights, but it won't be an easy feat. In a report released Thursday, the Bureau said a competitive market for air travel would deliver 'major benefits' for Canadians from lower prices to better customer experience. It pointed out that Air Canada and WestJet dominate the Canadian market. The report says opportunities exist in smaller secondary airports, which could be a better foothold for new market entrants if allowed to service international flights, instead of the current system that limits them to one major airport per region. For example, the Porter airline has a deal with the 10-gate Montreal Metropolitan Airport (formerly Saint-Hubert) on Montreal's South Shore limited to domestic flights. The airline said it would like to expand that to U.S. and sunny destination once the terminal is complete. But the federal government and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport have an agreement that it would be the only airport near Montreal with international flights. 'These restrictions prevent secondary airports from launching competitive services and limit their market impact. Removing these restrictions would enable secondary airports to respond to market opportunities. Passengers, workers, and airlines would then have more options,' the Bureau said in its report. But there is staunch opposition to the idea, including from Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier. She stressed it has always been clear that the Saint-Hubert terminal would be limited to Quebec and Canadian flights. 'The City is not in favour of international flights, such as flights to the south, which involve older, noisier aircrafts. Social acceptability is essential,' Fournier said in a statement to CTV News. 'The tranquility of our neighbourhoods is a priority for the municipal administration. It should be noted that the Porter terminal will be closed at night and that commercial night flights are prohibited.' Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) also opposes the Competition Bureau's recommendations, saying the current consolidated model is best. It said having two bases in the same region will increase costs for labour and mechanics, among other things. It would also increase government costs for border control, according to ADM. 'Adding a second international airport for passengers would reduce the carriers' customer base and increase their operating costs, while jeopardizing the gains made by all metropolitan players since the concentration of flights,' an ADM spokesperson said in an email. McGill professor John Gradek, who lectures on aviation management, said the report's recommendations are no done deal but are worth considering. The ADM is set to get a facelift and major expansion over the next few years, which could cost several billion dollars. Gradek says using the Saint-Hubert airport could be a way to save money. 'Why don't we look at it a group of airports that have multiple uses, and maybe we don't have to invest as much into ADM Trudeau because we've got capacity at Saint-Hubert,' he said. 'I think that's a very worthwhile exercise, because 10 gates at Saint-Hubert is a lot … To build 10 gates at Trudeau is billions. So, the price that we pay on a society perspective, yeah, you'll get noise.'
Edmonton Journal
20 hours ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Allow total foreign ownership of domestic-only Canadian airlines: Competition Bureau report
Article content Canada should allow up to 100 per cent foreign ownership of domestic-only airlines in a bid to lower fares and boost flight options, the Competition Bureau says in a new report highlighting the country's 'highly concentrated' aviation industry. In a market study released Thursday, the watchdog suggested a new class of airline that operates only in Canada but has owners outside its borders, opening the gate to global expertise — and cash. Article content The current foreign ownership cap sits at 49 per cent, with sovereignty and national security often cited as the reason. In addition, no more than 25 per cent of a domestic carrier can be owned by any one foreign entity, a proportion the Competition Bureau proposed raising to nearly half. 'Allowing more foreign investment in Canadian airlines improves access to capital, drives growth and promotes competition,' the report said, pointing to Australia and New Zealand as places that permit full outsider ownership of in-country carriers. 'As economist Michael Porter famously put it, unless a firm is forced to compete at home, it will usually lose its competitiveness abroad,' Brad Callaghan, an associate deputy commissioner at the Competition Bureau, said during a press briefing. Weak competition in the airline industry remains a big hurdle to lower prices and better service across the country, and remote communities especially, the report found. Article content 'Competition in Canada's airline sector has struggled to take off,' it said, noting consumers' dissatisfaction with ticket prices, service quality and range of flight choice. Air Canada and WestJet together account for between half and three-quarters of all domestic passengers at major airports, according to the study. Though competition improved between 2019 and 2023 with the arrival of Flair Airlines and the expansion of Porter Airlines, market concentration remains 'extremely high' and competition from new entrants fragile, the bureau said. 'Many Canadians report that international flights are often cheaper than flights within Canada' — partly due to 'cabotage' rules prohibiting point-to-point trips within Canada by foreign airlines — it noted. The watchdog proposed working with other countries to remove foreign competition restrictions in international agreements. Article content The National Airlines Council of Canada, which represents the country's largest carriers, took issue with that, as did airports. 'Cabotage is not the answer to competition in a country as sparse and large as Canada. A foreign carrier is not going to service our smallest towns and thin volume routes,' said Monette Pasher, president of the Canadian Airports Council, in a release. Some experts agreed, arguing that opening the hatch to foreign operators would invite more competition on big routes but do little for thinly served remote communities or even small cities. 'Would I fly into Yarmouth? Would I fly into Prince Albert? Would I fly into Whitehorse? No, not a chance. There's not enough traffic there,' said John Gradek, who teaches aviation management at McGill University. 'They want the low-hanging fruit … Ottawa to Montreal, Toronto to Calgary, Edmonton to Vancouver, because that's where all the money is.' Article content Gradek said greater access to the Canadian market should come with conditions, such as a commitment to fly certain regional routes — and reciprocal access to markets in those airlines' home countries. Direct government support akin to a per-passenger subsidy on those far-flung routes is another option, said Gabor Lukacs, president of the Air Passenger Rights advocacy group. Western University professor Geraint Harvey warned about 'dysfunctional outcomes' that could arise from new players, especially state-owned carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates that enjoy hefty subsidies. 'They can hollow out the market — they can dominate certain routes by offering lower fares,' he said, noting that more competition could ultimately result in less, if domestic airlines are elbowed out of the market. The report recommended a basket of reforms that include reviewing the airport funding model, enhancing the role of smaller airports and shoring up service to remote communities, particularly in the North. Article content Currently, airport infrastructure costs fall largely on travellers under a user-pay model. Extra charges such as airport fees, fuel taxes and security and navigation charges comprised 30 cents of every dollar that passengers paid for tickets in 2023 compared with 25 cents in 2019, the study said. 'They are currently biased against smaller airlines,' said Keldon Bester, executive director of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, stressing that high fees put otherwise cheap flights out of reach for demographics that discount carriers rely on. Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the trend 'highlights how high government fees and charges raise airfares in Canada, hurting consumers and the competitiveness of our industry.' The country's largest airline has said Canada remains at least as competitive as markets such as the United States and European Union and that the share of domestic passengers on markets served by three or more carriers has shot up over the past decade _ though the number of routes has gone down. Article content Over the past 20 months, four low-cost carriers have disappeared from the skies, as Lynx Air and Canada Jetlines shut down and WestJet folded subsidiary Swoop and the recently acquired Sunwing Airlines into its main-line service. Canada is a noted graveyard for budget carriers. Six foundered here between 1995 and 2015: Greyhound Air, Roots Air, Air Canada's Zip, Jetsgo, Zoom Airlines and CanJet. While the country's biggest cities remain amply served, smaller destinations have fewer options, which can also result in higher prices and, when things go awry, stranded passengers. The Calgary-Saskatoon route saw flights fall 39 per cent to 412 last month compared with 673 in May 2019, now that the route between Alberta and Saskatchewan's two biggest cities is served with non-stop flights by only WestJet, according to aviation data firm Cirium. Air Canada pulled out of the route over two years ago. Article content The report noted that routes served by just one airline tended to be more expensive. 'Our research shows that when just one new competitor flies on a route between two cities, airfares go down by nine per cent on average,' the report said. The report also proposed a working group to ramp up service to the North, where air transportation is an 'essential lifeline, even for residents who never fly' but whose food and medicine arrive by plane. It further called for an end to the transport minister's power to green-light mergers and acquisitions deemed anticompetitive by the Competition Bureau. And it urged industry-wide publication of data on delays and cancellations to help consumers make informed choices, on par with the United States and United Kingdom. Article content Latest National Stories
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadians still avoiding the U.S., trips down nearly 40% in May
It looks like elbows are still up as Canadians continue to boycott the U.S through economic means. According to the latest Statistics Canada report, there was a significant decline in Canadian road trips to the United States last month — data shows a 38% decrease in May 2025 compared to the same period last year, affecting what traditionally represents the largest segment of Canadian visitors to the U.S. According to this StatsCan data, Canadian motorists making return trips to the U.S. saw significant declines in both April and May of 2025. Last month, approximately 1.3 million Canadians drove back from the U.S., representing a 38.1% decrease from the previous year. The downward trend was also evident in April, when 1.2 million return trips were recorded, showing a 35.2% reduction compared to the same time period in 2024. As well, air travel experienced a significant downturn in May, with Canadian return trips decreasing by 24.2% compared to May 2024. The decline in air travel was more pronounced than the previous month, as April saw a 19.9% year-over-year reduction in Canadian return air travelers. Airlines have experienced a significant impact from the decline, leading several carriers to adjust their U.S.-bound flight schedules to match reduced passenger demand. Several major Canadian airlines implemented service reductions in March, with Air Canada cutting flights by 10% to popular destinations such as Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona. Other carriers including WestJet, Flair Airlines and Air Transat followed suit with similar schedule adjustments. There's also a decline in American travel to Canada, with automobile trips decreasing by 8.4% — that's down from the 1,044,700 trips taken the previous year. Meanwhile, air travel from the United States to Canada experienced a minor decrease of 0.3% from 2024 levels. 1. Statistics Canada: Leading indicator of international arrivals to Canada, May 2025 This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
