Flight anxiety is real. The Cleveland Clinic reports that over 25 million people have aerophobia, which means fear of flying. Beyond this, a study presented by Avia Solutions Group found that more than one in three people worldwide experience flight anxiety on some level. Although the Cleveland Clinic says that psychotherapy can help people overcome their fear of flying, in some cases other sources of help may be available – cuter, fluffier sources.
A service dog checks on a fellow passenger
(TikTok)
A woman named Sophie Gross (sophie444.jpg) says she was experiencing flight anxiety on a recent flight. Not just any anxiety but “the worst flight anxiety,” according to a video she posted to TikTok. While some people might try fighting through it with meditation or medication, Sophie was lucky enough to have an empathetic soul come to her aid, and it wasn’t even a human.
A service dog came to the rescue
In the short clip, a pink nose, yellow floppy ears, and two big brown eyes push their way through the gap between seats. The dog’s paw is visible as it silently peers at Sophie to make sure she’s okay before breaking into a big, tongue-wagging doggie grin.
The post says, “I was having the worst flight anxiety and here comes this little angel.”
Why the dog wasn’t in a carrier
Airlines and the FAA have strict rules regarding animals and aircraft. Pets must travel in the cargo hold unless they fit under an airline seat in their carrier. The exception to this is service animals. Service animals are allowed to travel on board regardless of size and do not need to remain in a carrier. Recently, a Great Dane service dog named Horus went viral for flying to Mexico in his own seat.
It seems that Sophie’s angel was a service dog. This may explain its natural instinct to provide care and empathy to a passenger in distress. We can only hope it was rewarded with lots of affection when the plane landed.