A flight attendant has gone viral for sharing tips on how passengers can handle the terrifying fears that come with extreme turbulence on airplanes.
Rhia Kerr, 23, who works as a cabin crew member for Irish airline Ryanair, shared a video on TikTok with tips on how panicked passengers can calm down during difficult flights.
In her video clip, which has already garnered more than 2.5 million views, the flight attendant explained how turbulence is a sudden change in airflow that can cause the plane to shake.
The video’s text reads: “When we experience turbulence, our brains naturally cannot comprehend what it is like to be out of control and the sensation of falling can cause our brain’s fear response center to send a distress signal to our brain.”
Kerr assured his viewers that planes are designed to withstand turbulence and there was no reason to panic.
In his video, which has already garnered more than 2.5 million views, he explained how turbulence is a sudden change in airflow that can cause an airplane to shake.
Rhia Kerr, 23, who works as a cabin crew member for Irish airline Ryanair, shared a video on TikTok with tips on how nervous passengers can calm down during turbulence.
In his video, he writes: “Planes cannot fall out of the sky due to turbulence – the law of physics keeps them suspended in the air. You are in very good hands.”
Kerr offers advice, adding that anyone with a fear of flying should do breathing exercises, listen to relaxing music, fasten their seatbelt and close their eyes.
She adds: ‘You should try to avoid panicking if you can, as this can lead to hyperventilating, which will ultimately make you feel worse.
‘However, if this is unavoidable, please press the call bell and your cabin crew will comfort you and check if it is safe to do so.’
Speaking to Fox News, Kerr said she also recommends that a nervous traveler write down a list of things to do or what they hope to do once they disembark.
“Try looking up breathing exercises on YouTube or TikTok beforehand (and) practice them during turbulence,” she added.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, about 20 people have been seriously injured by turbulence in 2023, including passengers and crew members.
Kerr said it was not unusual for a nervous passenger to alert cabin crew to their fear and that they monitored those who pointed out their fear.
He added: “Turbulence can be determined by forecasts, it is worth asking the crew before departure if any is expected as they will probably have been briefed on this before take-off.”
Kerr added that his number one priority is passenger safety and that he went through “extensive” training to qualify.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, about 20 people have been seriously injured by turbulence in 2023, including passengers and crew members.
The FAA recommends keeping your seat belt fastened at all times and listening to onboard personnel during turbulence.