Calm Your Nerves or Cloud Your Judgment? Your Pre-Flight Sips & Supplements Guide.

Whether it's the buzz of excitement, nagging anxiety, or just a case of "butterflies in your stomach," many secretly wish for a quick fix to feel more at ease before we take to the skies.

While reaching for a drink or other substance might feel like the obvious answer to pre-flight jitters, the unique environment of air travel can turn familiar (and unfamiliar) substances into unpredictable wildcards.

The thought of “taking the edge off.” Is that the right choice? Are supplements the best answer?

This guide will walk you through all the possible effects of different types of supplements on the brain. Most importantly, what works for one person can be entirely different for another person.

People often stop at the nearest airport bar before their gate. A pre-flight beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail feels like the ultimate stress reducer, a familiar ritual to "calm the nerves" before boarding. Before cruising at high altitudes, travelers commonly misunderstand the reality of a drink.

• Perceived Positives
  
  Reduced Anxiety:A drink can quickly quiet anxious thoughts, reduce nervousness, and help some people feel more relaxed and less stressed about the upcoming flight. This immediate calming effect is often the primary reason travelers indulge.
  
  Social Ritual/Comfort: Often, it's less about the physiological effect and more about the ritual. Having a drink at the airport signals the start of a vacation or a moment of relaxation before the journey truly begins. It can also reduce the likelihood of drowsiness. As a depressant, it can also put you to bed quicker.
  
  
• The Hidden Dangers
  
  Worsened Effects at Altitude: Due to lower cabin pressure and reduced oxygen saturation at cruising altitude, your body processes alcohol differently. Alcohol's effects, particularly its sedative properties, can be much greater than they would be on the ground.
  
  Disrupted Sleep Quality (Even if you "pass out"): While alcohol can make you fall asleep faster, it compromises the quality of that sleep. It suppresses REM sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and waking up feeling unrested, groggy, and even more fatigued upon arrival.

So, while we can’t force you not to go to the Chilli’s at your local terminal, just know alcohol has its negatives, which should go without saying.

Next, we will examine the different pills/supplements that affect you.

Perceived Positives: The Appeal of an Edible High


• Anxiety Reduction and Relaxation: For some users, THC in edibles or other pills (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) can offer a helpful sense of calm, effectively stopping the racing thoughts and physical tension that often accompany the stress of air travel. This immediate relief is why many travelers turn to these options, hoping for a smoother, more tolerable journey through the skies.
  
  
However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers when relaxation turns to regret.


• Expect delayed and amplified effects from edibles/pills at cruising altitude; they can take up to 2 hours to feel, with potency heightened by lower cabin oxygen. It's incredibly easy to "overdose" because people take more when they don't feel the effects quickly, especially if you're already tense or worried about increasing turbulence trends.
  
  

So while yes, these medications' side effects are what you may be looking for, they are most likely not the reason you’re being prescribed, so please be safe.

(Consult your doctor, as well as airfare laws before trying.)

I was flying from Chicago (ORD) to South Korea, stopping in Minneapolis (MSP), and I knew I needed help sleeping on the long leg to Seoul. I'd never tried anything for plane sleep before, so I decided on a 0.25 mg Xanax, a smaller dose than what many take.

Honestly, it took about two hours to feel it kick in truly. Then, my heart rate slowed, my eyes grew heavy, and I was out like a light. It helped me fall asleep, though even that didn't prevent me from waking up during unexpected turbulence. My grogginess extended into the next day as well. If you struggle with sleep or have mild anxiety about flying, this might be worth exploring with your doctor.

Remember, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any medications or supplements, especially for travel. We are not licensed health professionals (even if we think we are). Safety first.