flight hotel reservations

Airline meals calm Brits fear of flying

Eating an in-flight meal topped the list of activities nervous fliers engage in to shake off anxiety during air travel, a new survey has revealed.

Research carried out by Alpha Airports Group showed that over 40 per cent of fliers turn to eating to calm their nerves, with comfort foods such as chocolate and sweets being among the favoured relaxants.

More than one in ten of the 1,122 respondents also admitted to relying on alcohol before take-off to give them some Dutch courage.

Commenting on the findings, psychologist Corinne Sweet said that meal time is typically associated with rich sensory engagement in terms of sight, taste and smell.

"Being served food in-flight stirs up nourishing, comforting memories of meals surrounded by family and friends," she added, speaking to the aviation support company. "This satisfying ritual is often associated with happy, carefree times, so can help you relax."

Alcohol on the other hand should be avoided, as it can lead to dehydration and mood swings.

Last year top chef Marcus Wareing, writing in Waitrose Food Illustrated magazine, declared that oft-derided airline meals were in fact gradually improving, and that in his opinion they are now superior in quality to most British pub meals.

Bookmark this page: