Flight attendant’s viral video delivers crucial advice for some fliers most devastating fears
A flight attendant went viral when she shared advice on how travelers can deal with the fears that come with extreme turbulence on airplanes.
Rhia Kerr, 23, who works as a cabin crew for Irish airline Ryanair, shared a video on TikTok with tips on how panicked flyers can calm themselves during turbulent flights.
In her video clip, which has now been viewed more than 2.5 million times, the flight attendant explains that turbulence is a sudden change in airflow that can cause the plane to shake.
The text on the video reads: ‘When we experience turbulence, our brains naturally cannot imagine losing control. The feeling of falling can cause the fear response center in our brain to send a distress signal to our brain.’
Kerr assured her viewers that planes are designed to withstand turbulence and that there is no need to panic.
In her video, which has now been viewed more than 2.5 million times, she explains how turbulence is a sudden change in airflow that can cause the plane to jolt.
Rhia Kerr, 23, who works as a cabin crew for Irish airline Ryanair, shared a video on TikTok with tips on how nervous flyers can calm themselves during turbulence
In her video she writes: ‘Planes can’t fall out of the sky because of turbulence — the law of physics keeps them in the air. You’re in very safe hands.’
Kerr offers advice, saying that anyone who is afraid of flying should do breathing exercises, listen to soothing music, wear their seat belt and close their eyes.
She adds: ‘Try to avoid panicking as much as possible, as this can lead to hyperventilation, which will ultimately make you feel worse.
‘However, if this is unavoidable, please press the bell and your cabin crew will reassure you and check that it is safe to do so.’
Speaking to Fox News, Kerr said she also recommends that a nervous traveler make a list of things he or she wants to do or is looking forward to once he or she is on board.
‘Try to find breathing exercises on YouTube or TikTok beforehand [and] “Putting this into practice during turbulence,” she added.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, about 20 people were seriously injured by turbulence in 2023, including passengers and crew members
According to Kerr, it is not uncommon for a nervous pilot to inform cabin crew of his anxiety and for them to keep an eye on those who inform him.
She added: ‘Turbulence can be determined from forecasts. It is worth asking the crew before you set off if you can expect turbulence. They will probably have been briefed on this before you set off.’
Kerr added that passenger safety is her top priority and that she has undergone “extensive” training to qualify.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, about 20 people were seriously injured by turbulence in 2023, including passengers and crew.
The FAA recommends that you always keep your seat belt on and listen to the flight crew during turbulence.