Flying can be a stressful experience for many people. According to a 2023 study reported by The Hill, 40% of Americans reported some level of anxiety when it comes to air travel. And while most people manage these fears, 5% of Americans have aviophobia so severe that they are unable to fly at all.
Common triggers tend to include a fear of turbulence, crowded terminals, or the general uncertainty of travel. Even so, an average of more than 2 million Americans catch a flight every single day.
With so many aspects of the travel process contributing to stress, it’s no surprise that even seasoned travelers can feel uneasy when flying. So, to better understand and address these worries, we surveyed individuals across America to understand what makes flying so nerve-wracking and what tricks people use to combat traveling stress.
What Causes Airport Anxiety for you?
Read on to see our state-by-state breakdown of the top stressors and the best tips for staying calm and collected before you take off.
New York fliers are stressed about connecting flights at JFK
Navigating a bustling airport like JFK can be a real stress test. With over 60 million passengers passing through each year, it’s no wonder that, for many New Yorkers, the biggest worry is missing connecting flights. 38% of those surveyed said that their primary anxiety stems from the fear of not making it to their next gate on time.
Other top concerns among New York fliers include:
- Flight delays or cancellations – 34% worry about the uncertainty of whether their flight will depart as scheduled.
- Crowded terminals – 32% find the crowds of people overwhelming and stressful.
- Long walks between gates – 30% are anxious about navigating the extensive distances between gates.
- Fear of flying and turbulence – 29% have concerns about the flight, from turbulence to a general fear of flying.
These worries reflect the high-stress environment of one of the world’s busiest airports and highlight the need for strategies to manage travel anxiety effectively.
So, how do New Yorkers deal with these travel stresses? Our survey shows that arriving at the airport early is a top strategy, with 54% of people saying it helps them avoid feeling rushed and stressed.
Being organized with documents and essentials also makes a big difference, according to 50% of people who said they feel more at ease when everything is in order. And 39% recommend booking flights with plenty of time between connections to avoid the pressure of tight schedules.
While planning goes a long way, some people prefer to choose distraction. 37% of those surveyed like to listen to music and use it to drown out the noise and stay calm. And 25% of people find that reading helps them relax while they wait.
California fliers worry most about flight delays at LAX
As the largest and busiest international airport on the West Coast of the United States, LAX is a major international gateway for the country. This could be one reason California travelers stress out when they’re in the airport, with the top concern for 34% of people being the possibility of flight delays or cancellations.
And that’s not all, according to our survey:
- 32% of people are concerned about missing connecting flights.
- 28% of people feel uneasy about crowded terminals.
- 23% of people are apprehensive about flying and turbulence.
- 22% of people worry about long walks between gates.
To address these concerns, California travelers recommend arriving early. 53% of people find that getting to the airport early helps them relax. 43% of people feel more comfortable when they’re organized with documents and essentials.
Alongside this, 31% of people use music to escape the chaos, while 39% suggest planning and booking flights early to ease travel stress. And 28% of people use reading as a calming distraction during the wait.
New Jersey fliers face anxiety at Newark over flight cancellations
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) serves over 50 million passengers annually and can be a source of significant stress, especially when dealing with flight delays or cancellations. In fact, 42% of passengers are unsettled by the possibility of delayed or cancelled flights.
We also found that:
- 37% of people are anxious about missing connecting flights.
- 36% of people find crowded terminals overwhelming.
- 29% of people are troubled by long walks between gates.
- 26% of people are concerned about misplacing bags or items.
To manage these issues, 60% say arriving early helps alleviate stress. 52% find that having all travel documents and essentials organized in advance is key to reducing last-minute panic. 51% recommend booking flights early and planning for longer layovers to lessen anxiety. 37% of people use music to soothe their nerves and 22% turn to reading as a relaxing way to pass the time.
Flight delays, cancellations, and crowded terminals cause stress for Illinois fliers
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) handles over 80 million passengers each year. This could explain some of the most common reasons travelers are particularly stressed when flying through this airport. In Illinois, 38% of people are concerned about their flight being delayed or cancelled and are stressed by crowded terminals.
We can also reveal that:
- 33% of people find long walks between gates troubling.
- 31% of people worry about missing connecting flights.
- 28% of people feel uneasy about flying and turbulence.
To cope with these stressors, 62% of people say arriving early helps reduce their anxiety. To avoid last-minute stress, 52% of people emphasize careful planning, including early bookings and longer layovers. 43% of people say staying organized with documents and essentials helps them feel more in control. 36% of people use music to distract themselves from the hectic airport environment, and 26% bring a book to stay focused away from their anxieties.
Georgia fliers worried about delays and cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 100 million passengers each year, so it’s no surprise that it can feel overwhelming. For many travelers in Georgia, the biggest source of stress is the fear of flight delays or cancellations, with 36% of people worrying about this.
Other common stress points include:
- 35% are anxious about missing connecting flights.
- 30% find crowded terminals stressful.
- 30% dread the long walks between gates.
- 29% feel uneasy about flying and turbulence.
To handle these concerns, 60% of people recommend arriving early to ease their minds. 50% find that being well-prepared with all necessary items is crucial for reducing anxiety. 39% of people use music to relax, and 40% suggest booking flights early and planning ahead to minimize stress. 23% of people use reading as a calming way to pass the time.
Florida fliers find large crowds stressful at MCO
Orlando International Airport is bustling with over 50 million passengers each year, which can make the travel experience feel more stressful than exciting. Navigating through the busy terminals can quickly become overwhelming, which, according to our survey responses, is the biggest concern for Florida travelers, with 37% of passengers feeling distressed by the large crowds at MCO.
But that’s not all—travelers also grapple with other stressors such as:
- 32% of people are concerned about missing connecting flights.
- 31% of people find long walks between gates stressful.
- 29% of people are anxious about flight delays or cancellations.
- 28% of people worry about flying and turbulence.
To manage their stress, 54% say arriving early helps alleviate their concerns. 44% feel more at ease when their travel items are organized, and 44% recommend planning and booking flights early to avoid last-minute issues. 38% of people use music to calm their nerves, and 29% use reading to take their minds off the flight.
Pennsylvania fliers worry about missed flights and crowds at PHL
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a major hub with 27 airlines offering nearly 323 daily departures to over 120 destinations around the globe. With such a high volume of flights and passengers, it’s no surprise that navigating this busy airport can be stressful for travelers from Pennsylvania.
The top concern for many (43%) is the fear of missing connecting flights. But other common worries include:
- 39% of people are overwhelmed by crowded terminals.
- 33% of people are uneasy about flight delays or cancellations.
- 33% of people feel anxious about flying and turbulence.
- 29% of people are concerned about navigating the airport layout and finding gates.
To alleviate these issues, 58% say arriving early reduces stress. 52% of people find that organizing travel documents and planning their trip helps manage anxiety. 34% of people use music to relax while waiting, and 39% believe planning, including longer layovers, helps reduce stress. 24% of people find reading a good distraction from pre-flight nerves.
Michigan fliers anxious over missed connections, misplaced bags and turbulence
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is the busiest airport in Michigan, with an average of 379 flights departing daily to 124 destinations across 19 countries and 42 U.S. states. With so many flights taking off, it’s no surprise that 37% of Michigan travelers often feel stressed about missing their connections.
But it’s not just connecting flights—long walks to gates and concerns about lost luggage are also top worries, with little difference in how much these issues affect passengers:
- 33% of people are anxious about flight delays or cancellations.
- 31% of people find long walks between gates stressful.
- 29% of people are concerned about misplacing bags or items.
- 28% of people feel uneasy about flying and turbulence.
To cope with these concerns, 56% say arriving early helps reduce stress. 44% of people find planning their trip details in advance, including flight connections, effective. 43% of people say staying organized with travel documents and essentials reduces anxiety. 29% of people use music to relax at the airport, and 25% use reading to distract themselves from pre-flight nerves.
Washington fliers from SEATAC most anxious about large crowds
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) serves over 50 million passengers each year, and for many Washington travelers, navigating such a busy hub can be overwhelming. The biggest source of stress is the crowded terminals—44% of people report feeling anxious about the large crowds. But other concerns aren’t far behind, with worries about missed connections, flight delays, and lost luggage also weighing on travelers’ minds.
Here’s a closer look at what causes stress at SEATAC:
- 38% of people are concerned about missing connecting flights.
- 37% of people are anxious about flight delays or cancellations.
- 32% of people worry about misplacing bags or items.
- 31% of people are uneasy about long walks between gates.
To manage these anxieties, 60% of people find that arriving with ample time to spare helps reduce stress. 52% of people recommend early booking and organizing travel documents to minimize anxiety. 47% say staying organized with travel essentials helps them feel more in control. 43% of people use music to create a relaxing atmosphere while waiting to board, and 30% find reading a helpful distraction during the wait.
Getting prepped for your next flight?
And there you have it; those are the most common travel anxiety factors for anxious fliers in the US. Travel anxiety is something many of us experience, but it doesn’t have to take over your trip. Whether it’s flight delays, crowded terminals, or just navigating a busy airport, a few simple strategies can make a big difference.
Try to arrive early if you can, prep well in advance and stay organized, and put on those calming tunes to reduce stress and take control of your journey! Naturally, one thing you shouldn’t worry about as well is parking. So, why not cross one major stressor off your list by reserving a spot in advance with our parking services?
And if you’re planning to travel during Thanksgiving or another busy period, read our blog on The Best Ways to Avoid Thanksgiving Travel Anxiety, where we’ve put together some great tips and solutions on how Americans manage airport anxiety.
