Nervous flyers urged to stop common in-flight habit that can make them MUCH worse
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Nervous flyers have been urged to stop a common in-flight habit that could make them feel much worse.
Watching a film on a plane may seem like a pleasant way to pass the time.
However, passengers have been advised against watching a specific genre if they feel uneasy while thousands of feet in the air.
Research by Travel Republic revealed the most-watched types of films during flights.
Drama, action and comedy made the top three, respectively, and were followed by thriller, adventure and documentary, among others.
But there's one genre that they suggest not to put on during plane journeys, even though it places tenth on the list.
Psychologist Rod Mitchell urged nervous fliers to avoid horror movies during their flights.
He said: 'Horror films on planes are like drinking espresso during a stress test.
Watching a film on a plane may seem like a pleasant way to pass the time but passengers have been advised against watching a specific genre if they feel uneasy while thousands of feet in the air
Research by Travel Republic revealed the most-watched types of films during flights
But there's one genre that they suggest not to put on during plane journeys, even though it places tenth on the list
'Disaster movies, especially with planes or confined spaces, trigger your mirror neurons, making you feel the danger yourself.'
Instead, he recommends watching animated films for something nostalgic and easy to watch, which may help to calm nerves.
'The secret weapon is familiar movies you've seen before. These low-intensity choices give your nervous system permission to downshift,' Rod added.
Though film noir and mystery were found to appear the least on long-haul flights, they could offer a much-needed distraction to passengers.
The psychologist explained: 'Puzzle-solving mysteries and adventure films are brilliant anxiety hijackers - they redirect worry from 'what if this plane...' to 'who's the killer?'
'But choose whodunits over psychological thrillers.
'These medium-intensity genres create beneficial absorption, making turbulence background noise rather than the main event.'
Psychologist Rod Mitchell urged nervous fliers to avoid horror movies during their flights (stock)
Instead, he recommends watching animated films for something nostalgic and easy to watch, which may help to calm nerves
Drama proved to top all the genres, with 254 films available to watch on flights, but the chaotic and emotional storylines may not be the best for passengers.
Rod revealed: 'Heavy emotional dramas hit differently at altitude when you're already vulnerable.
'Your emotional defences are down when tired and confined.'
He advised: 'Save the tear-jerkers and existential crises for solid ground.'
Daily Mail
