Air Travelers Who Fear Flying Reveal Their Top Rituals Before Boarding a Plane

In the world of air travel, where turbulence and delays are already enough to make your palms sweat, some travelers have developed unique rituals to calm their nerves before takeoff. And honestly, some of these superstitions are just as fascinating as the flights themselves.

Brian Morris, hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, has taken it upon himself to help anxious flyers with his creation, "Flight Deck: Fear Of Flying Flash Cards." These cards are designed to provide tips and tricks for those battling their flying jitters. Morris also took to TikTok, where he shared a video highlighting one popular ritual: tapping the side of the airplane as passengers board. He invited others to share their own routines—and boy, did they deliver.

Responses poured in, revealing a wide range of quirky habits. One user shared, "I always place my right hand on the plane and step on with my right foot first, saying, 'Bless this flight' as I do. Been doing it for years." Another joked about their ritual, "I have to tap. Flight attendants have thanked me for keeping us all safe." (Honestly, this might be the unsung hero we never knew we needed.)

Some folks seem to get even more creative. One TikToker admitted to kissing their hand before touching the plane as they board. Another said they pray and order a drink as a must-do combo. And then there's the ever-practical traveler who swears by bringing a blanket every time.

Morris, who has spent years observing these rituals, shared a few more that range from charming to downright out-of-the-box. "One is lifting your feet during the flight, as if that makes the plane lighter," he noted. Others tap the overhead luggage compartment as a way of saying "thank you" upon landing, while some rely on their favorite "lucky" clothing or a go-to playlist in their noise-canceling headphones. (We've all got that one song that feels like a personal anthem, don't we?)

Brandon Blewett, a Texas-based author of "How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes," adds his own perspective. He recites the Apostle's Creed and the Lord's Prayer before every flight. "Flying weekly reminds me of mortality and who's really in control," he told Fox News Digital. He's also seen plenty of other passengers clutching rosary beads, crossing themselves, or listening to specific songs as their personal good-luck charms.

Other popular pre-flight habits include texting or calling loved ones before takeoff, lifting feet during takeoff and landing, and indulging in a pre-flight drink. Whether it’s rituals steeped in faith, comfort, or just superstition, these habits seem to offer nervous travelers the reassurance they need to board with a little more confidence. After all, when you’re 30,000 feet in the air, every little bit helps, right?