Aussie first: Virgin Australia launches nervous flyers program

airplane passenger hand on window with wing and sky while flying.

Virgin Australia has launched a new program to assist nervous fliers, allowing them to alert the airline prior to travelling.

The first of its kind in Australia, the Nervous Flyers program was first announced in October 2018, when the airline hosted the world’s first dedicated meditation flight with Sir Richard Branson, in partnership with Australian wellbeing and mindfulness meditation leader Smiling Mind.

Through the program, nervous flyers will receive a personalised email a week before they travel with some inflight wellbeing tips from Virgin Australia’s expert health and wellness partners, and a behind-the-scenes look at some technical aspects of Virgin Australia’s operations, along with a positive affirmation text message from the airline on the day of the flight, inflight wellness and meditations on inflight entertainment and special attention from cabin crew.

“Our research tells us more than 11 per cent of our guests experience high levels of nervousness about travelling, and that they want information and support to help them through their next flight,” Stuart Aggs, Virgin Australia’s acting chief operations officer said.

“We’re always working to make flying as joyful and stress-free as possible, which is why we’re extremely proud to launch our Nervous Flyers program today.”

“The Nervous Flyers program allows us to connect with our passengers throughout a number of touchpoints during their journey. Whether it’s sharing breathing techniques from one of our expert partners or a video to help put passengers at ease about turbulence, we want our guests to know we care and we’re here to support them.”

The new program is available for passengers on all Virgin Australia-operated flights when booked at least seven days in advance of travel.

Passengers can self-identify as a nervous flyer when making a booking by selecting Specific Assistance/Request ‘Nervous Flyer’, or afterwards through Manage Your Booking or by calling the Virgin Australia Guest Contact.

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