Last but not least: App in the South

Various studies have examined how anxious people are on airplanes. While the a While some studies show that many women feel anxious starting with their very first flight, whereas men often don’t develop this unease until after numerous anxiety-free flights, others simply demonstrate that most people get weak in the knees when they lose the ground beneath their feet.

The takeoff, in particular, poses the greatest challenge to the nerves of passengers who are afraid of flying. Once in the (calm) air, it’s much easier to relax.

The Japanese airline ANA, in collaboration with the agencies Firstborn and Dentsu Tokyo, has addressed the fears and concerns of airline passengers by developing the «Takeoff Mode App.» The idea was made possible by the fact that the use of electronic devices is now permitted even during takeoff and landing. Users of the app are completely distracted by a relaxing skill-based game—for as long as necessary. The app detects when the plane is no longer climbing and displays the good news.
 

Whether the app can truly alleviate fear of flying remains to be seen in practice. Any passenger with a smartphone can volunteer to be a guinea pig—Ana is also making the app available to passengers of other airlines via App store available. (hae)