Virgin Australia to offer in-flight meditation for anxious travelers
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While flying gives travelers a way to see destinations across the globe, it can also be a frightening experience for some.
Those who have a fear of flying can now rest easier on flights with Virgin Australia, as the airline has announced a new initiative to assist nervous flyers throughout their journey.
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The airline is partnering with the nonprofit Smiling Mind, which offers both web and app-based meditation programs created by a range of psychologists and educators focused on mindfulness.
As part of the new partnership, the airline will be incorporating Smiling Mind’s guided meditations into its in-flight entertainment system, providing a tool for travelers to use to calm their anxiety and focus on their wellbeing.
In addition to in-flight entertainment offerings, Virgin Australia is also introducing a new system to allow passengers with a fear of flying an opportunity to connect with airline staff before their journey.
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This way, crew will be able to assist passengers with personalized tips and communication before their journey, and one-on-one interactions throughout their flight to ensure a comfortable experience.
The airline has yet to specify exactly what the in-flight programs and pre-journey and on-board assistance will look like, though it plans to announce additional details on the new initiative in the coming months.
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“Integrating mindfulness into our everyday lives is just as important as eating and exercising regularly, and I am so excited to see Virgin Australia deeply embedding mindfulness into the workplace and onboard flights,” Sir Richard Branson said in a statement.
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The airline will also be implementing the new Smiling Mind program for its staff outside of flights.
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Several other airlines have recently begun integrating options to ease travelers during flights, including American Airlines’ introduction of nature videos and Calm’s meditation app and Qantas’ creation of an in-flight meditation video series.