Australia’s best airline for nervous flyers – here’s why

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Say goodbye to flight anxiety by booking with this comforting carrier.

Some of us can’t help it. We white-knuckle the armrest during takeoff. Turbulence hits and our life flashes before our eyes. And when the plane finally touches down, we breathe a sigh of relief. That’s just what it’s like being a nervous flyer.

If you’re vigorously nodding your head in agreement, you’re not alone. But Bounce.com is providing an antidote, revealing which Australian airline is the best for people who think flying is the worst.

Which Aussie airline is best for nervous flyers?

While we’re pretty lucky to have a great range of airlines to choose from in Australia, it doesn’t change the fact that flying can be scary for some. The anticipation of being in the air can even taint the excitement we feel in the lead-up to a holiday. However, opt to fly with Virgin Australia and those nerves should significantly decrease.

Virgin Australia plane taking off into the sky
Virgin Australia is officially the best Aussie airline for nervous flyers. (Image: Ryan Fletcher)

Recent research conducted by Bounce has shown it’s the best airline in Australia for flight anxiety, with an overall stress-free score of 7.84 out of 10. Determining factors included seat width, safety scores, reviews and in-flight programs, with Virgin Australia receiving an airline review score of four out of five and seven out of seven for its airline safety score.

Everything from loud people, smelly toilets and excessive alcohol consumption to delays, flight cancellations and unfriendly cabin crew was considered. But screaming children and turbulence came out on top, with over 50 per cent of passengers reporting both factors cause increased feelings of anxiety.

“If turbulence makes you anxious, remember that planes are designed to handle it safely," says Cody Candee, CEO and Founder of Bounce. “Think of it as bumps in the road rather than a sign of danger."

Why pick Virgin Australia if you’re an anxious flyer?

Virgin Australia was the only Aussie airline that made the list, with its nervous flyer program making it a real stand-out. Available on all flights, the comforting scheme provides a number of soothing benefits to calm nerves and reduce stress before and during the journey.

Virgin Australia plane taking off into the sky
Not many people know about Virgin Australia’s nervous flyer program. (Image: SCM Jeans)

Those who opt into the program will receive an email one week prior to the flight with a list of helpful travel tips, as well as a text message on the day with some words of wisdom and support. Once on board, cabin crew are already aware of your needs and take extra care throughout the flight to make sure you’re doing okay.

“Talk to the crew if needed," continues Candee. “Flight attendants are trained to help anxious flyers. Let them know if you’re feeling nervous, and they can offer reassurance and help make your experience smoother."

You’ll also have full access to guided meditations designed specifically to assist nervous flyers through the Smiling Mind app , plus a range of other behind-the-scenes tactics to ensure your trip is a stress-free as possible. And while it’s scary to think your life is in someone else’s hands (a fully trained and certified professional with a pilot’s license, mind you), many nervous flyers don’t realise they can take some power back, too.

A woman on a plane using her tablet
Use in-flight entertainment and personal devices for distraction. (Image: Imgorthand)

“Plan ahead for peace of mind," encourages Candee. “Knowing what to expect can reduce stress. Choose an airline known for smooth flights and good customer service. Arrive early to avoid last-minute rushes and pick a seat that makes you feel most at ease."

“Keeping your mind engaged is key. Load your tablet with movies, books or puzzles to distract yourself. With the right mindset and simple tricks, you can turn flying from a stressful experience into a manageable and maybe even enjoyable one," Candee says.

A Virgin Australia plan4e flying with the moon in the background
Let Virgin Australia know you’re nervous eight days before departing. (Image: SCM Jeans)

To join Virgin Australia’s program, all you have to do is identify yourself as a nervous flyer eight days prior to your departure date. This can be done through the guest contact centre or by filling out the airline’s service request form .

Which other airlines made the list?

Singapore Airlines came out on top with an overall stress-free score of 8.94 out of 10, followed by Korean Air with a score of 8.82 out of 10. Next was Cathay Pacific in third place, then Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and easyJet.

Virgin Australia ranked seventh in the world, succeeded by Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and SWISS, rounding out the top 10.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.