Have you ever put off booking a flight due to your fear of flying? If only you could sit back and relax, you’d be more likely to throw caution to the wind and finally book that dream vacation.
Best Airlines for Nervous Flyers
We researched safety ratings, customer service, overall rankings, and most of all, any available distractions on board that can take your attention away from the act of flying. With that in mind, these are our top 11 airlines for nervous flyers.
JetBlue
If your reason for not flying involves missing your favorite show or some big televised sporting event, you have no excuse. All JetBlue flights have over 36 channels of live streaming channels with DIRECTV service. Plus, the carrier offers complimentary snacks, cold and hot beverages, and alcohol is available for purchase if you need a glass of wine to calm your nerves. Free fleetwide Wi-Fi adds to the distractions, making it a perfect airline for the fearful flyer. Listed as one of the safest airlines, economy fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Suggested Cheap Flights on JetBlue:
Los Angeles to Orlando, nonstop
New York-JFK to Turks and Caicos, nonstop
› See our current fare listings on JetBlue from all over the US.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines completed its merger with Virgin America in 2018, and with both airlines'making best-airline lists in the past you should feel all buttoned up onboard. Another perk from the post-merger move is that Alaska’s route list got a lot bigger, so you’ll have plenty of destinations to choose from. As far as distractions go, you have a power outlet at your seat to recharge your tablet or laptop, where you can watch free movies and TV. You can also make use of the inflight Wi-Fi as you munch on complimentary snacks. Listed as one of the safest airlines, their economy fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Suggested Cheap Flights on Alaska Airlines:
San Diego to Los Cabos, nonstop
Washington DC-DCA to Seattle, nonstop
› See our current fare listings on Alaska from all over the US and Canada.
Hawaiian Airlines
Is Hawaii on your bucket list, but that long flight has been stopping you from going? Hawaiian Airlines is top-ranked when it comes to customer service. You’ll have inflight entertainment, plus for just $8, you can kick back Mai Tais as you cruise over the Pacific. Their Pau Hana Cart is stocked with snacks and amenities for purchase. Listed as one of the safest airlines, their economy fares include complimentary meals, inflight entertainment, one carry-on bag, and one personal item.
Suggested Cheap Flights on Hawaiian Airlines:
Las Vegas to Honolulu, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on Hawaiian from all over the US.
Virgin Atlantic
As mentioned, a nervous flyer needs diversions on their flight. Virgin Atlantic has plenty to divert your attention from the fact you are soaring 39,000 feet above the ground. Meals and snacks are included, there is Wi-Fi, and their inflight entertainment is off the charts. Plus, you get a little amenity kit when you board. You will forget you are on an airplane before you are even cruising. Listed as one of the safest airlines, Virgin's cheapest transatlantic fares are called "Economy Light" and only include one standard-sized carry-on and a personal item.
Flights from the US include:
Orlando to London-LGW, nonstop
New York-JFK to Manchester, nonstop
› See our current fare listings on Virgin Atlantic from all over the US and Canada.
Emirates
If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it’s good enough for a nervous flyer. With more than 4,500 entertainment channels on your seatback screen, you will not want to land. Emirates has an amenity kit, includes meals, and maybe, if you ask nicely, you’ll be able to convince a flight attendant to give you one of the toys they have on board for kids. If you really down to splurge, try first class, where you will get your own private suite! They often have companion fares, making flying even cheaper if you want to take someone along to ease your anxiety. Economy tickets include one complimentary checked bag and a standard carry-on.
Flights from the US include:
Washington DC-IAD to Dubai, nonstop
Ft. Lauderdale to Dubai, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on Emirates from all over the US and Canada.
All Nippon Airways
If you’ve wanted to check out the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, but you just couldn’t bring yourself to book that long-haul, look no further. ANA has luxury covered. You will be so relaxed as you press away on the LCD seatback touchscreen, and with the slide-forward seats that ensure extra privacy, you will wonder why you hadn’t booked your trip sooner. If not being able to pack everything you want is the cause of your anxiety, you’re in luck: Economy includes two checked bags, one carry-on, and one personal item.
Flights from the US include:
Los Angeles to Tokyo-NRT, nonstop
Chicago-ORD to Tokyo-HND, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on All Nippon from all over the US and Canada.
Qatar
Fly nonstop to Doha, or stop in Doha on your way to other destinations. If you’re worried about a long layover, Qatar offers free city tours in between flights. Top inflight entertainment with over 4,000 options, power outlets, USB plugs, Wi-Fi on several flights, and your amenity kit will guarantee a fearless flight. Like ANA, Qatar Economy allows two checked bags, one carry-on, and one personal item.
Flights from the US include:
› See all of our current fare listings on Qatar from all over the US and Canada.
Air France
You can finally realize your dream of sipping a latte with the Eiffel Tower in view. If you fly with Air France, you will have ample legroom, a personal video screen, and your meal will start with a cocktail (or Champagne, if you so desire). You can just lie back, sip your drink, watch one of the many movies offered, and feel as though you never even left your living room. Most nonstop flights from the US go to Paris, where you can connect to several worldwide destinations. The cheapest rates are often in Basic Economy which only includes one carry-on and one personal item.
Flights from the US include:
New York-JFK to Paris-ORY, nonstop
Chicago-ORD to Paris-CDG, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on Air France from all over the US and Canada.
Swiss International
You'll be singing from the mountain tops after your flight on Swiss International. Inflight Wi-Fi, seatback video screens, and comfortable seats will have you ready to eat all of the chocolate you can get your hands on. Fly nonstop to Zurich from six U.S. cities and connect to several other destinations. Listed as one of the safest airlines, their Light Fares include one carry-on and one personal item.
Flights from the US include:
New York-JFK to Geneva, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on Swiss International from all over the US and Canada.
Cathay Pacific
If disorganization is one of the reasons you haven't taken that flight to a dream destination, Cathay Pacific is the airline for you. They have special amenity storage for your phone, pen, and glasses, as well as a USB port built right into the seatback TV screen. Their inflight entertainment is plentiful, and you won’t be disappointed with your healthy meal, complete with fresh fruit and vegetables. Adjustable headrests and reclining seats will add to the comfort, ensuring a stress-free flight. Listed as one of the safest airlines, economy fares include two checked bags, one carry-on, and one personal item.
Flights from the US include:
Los Angeles to Hong Kong, nonstop
New York-JFK to Hong Kong, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on Cathay Pacific from all over the US and Canada.
Singapore Airlines
Winner of multiple awards, Singapore Airlines, is a five-star choice for the nervous flyer to take. Their suites have standalone beds, plus a leather seat. If money is no object, you can convince yourself you are relaxing in a hotel room while you’re sky-high. Their economy class has USB ports, adjustable footrests, storage areas aplenty, and a wide range of entertainment options. Listed as one of the safest airlines, economy fares include two checked bags, one carry-on, and one personal item.
Flights from the US include:
San Francisco to Singapore, nonstop
Houston to Manchester, nonstop
› See all of our current fare listings on Singapore Airlines from all over the US and Canada.
Stay on top of breaking sales, fare drops, and more! Follow us on Twitter @Airfarewatchdog. And make sure to sign up for FREE airfare alerts to be notified when prices drop.
