Zooming through the air at hundreds of miles an hour in a metal tube 30,000 feet above the ground can be quite terrifying for some people, and given how cramped and uncomfortable most airplanes are, flying isn’t always the most luxurious or peaceful way to travel. Many find it hard to distract themselves from the possibility of disaster, but in-flight entertainment has come a long way from a single projector screen hung at the front of the plane. Now, most planes have TV screens built right into the headrests of every seat, making it easier for nervous passengers to find some level of comfort. But for nervous flyers who find it nearly impossible to stay calm while in the air, gaming could provide the necessary mental engagement needed to keep their minds occupied.
The Best Distraction for Nervous Flyers Fits Right in Your Carry-On
Many gamers view gaming as not just a cure for boredom but as an escape from reality itself, which comes in handy when your reality is being extremely nervous on a plane for several hours. Gaming has been used as a distraction while traveling since the first handhelds came on the market. I remember going on road trips as a kid, trying desperately to play Pokémon Crystal on the Game Boy Color at night by the light of passing cars and streetlights or else suffering the boredom of being stuck in the car with nothing to do. Thankfully, Nintendo eventually backlit their handhelds, making it much easier to play at night. And now, modern handhelds are powerful enough to supply hours of entertainment and distraction to anxious travelers just trying to find some peace and comfort.
The Best Games For Nervous Flyers
It’s all about what you enjoy playing and what will distract your mind the most. Pack games that you know you can lose hours in without even blinking. I never get on a flight without some kind of handheld console and at least half a dozen games that I know can distract me for every second I’m in the air. With the popularity of handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck rising, it’s never been easier to game while flying. But choosing the right game to help ease your anxiety can be a challenge on its own.
Being distracted helps, but being mentally engaged with something is what truly saves a nervous flyer. That’s why watching a movie or TV show doesn’t always get the job done. It’s far too easy for your surroundings to pull you from something you’re just watching. The more demanding the task, the more engaging it will be, and the less nervous you’ll feel.
Best Relaxing Games For Anxiety
For gamers who get stressed when a video game cranks up the difficulty, these relaxing games are perfect for easing feelings of anxiety.
So next time you’re dreading that long-haul flight, don’t just load up the in-flight entertainment and hope for the best. Throw a handheld in your carry-on, download a few games you know can swallow you whole, and give your brain a job to do. The runway will disappear, the turbulence will fade into background noise, and before you know it you’ll be annoyed that you have to put the console away for landing. That’s the goal. Not calm, just completely, blissfully elsewhere.
