Australian airline launches world's first opt-in nervous flyer programme

Virgin Australia has launched a Nervous Flyers programme designed to let passengers self-identify as anxious flyers to receive extra support to cope with coming travel. Passengers can discreetly register in the scheme when booking travel. Those who do so will then receive pre-departure reassurance, positive affirmations via text message and guidance on in-flight relaxation tips such as deep breathing and meditation. More than 11% of travellers experience high levels of nervousness related to flying, says Virgin Australia. The airline has also created a special heart-shaped code that will be printed on the boarding passes of those registered so that cabin crew can check-up on those travellers during the flight. <br/>