Stressed out by flying? Gatwick has introduced free pre-flight yoga classes

The Australian, who developed and hosts the video, told the Standard: “I am a frequent and nervous flyer and I know the physical side effects of long-haul flying. [It] puts a huge amount of strain on the body and in particular the digestive system and circulation.

“If you address that before the flight you will obviously feel so much better when you get off the plane.

“Digestion is usually inhibited while flying because of dehydration and because the system needs movement to work properly. Sitting bolt upright will inhibit that. To help circulation, I have included some inversion moves — like the downwards-facing dog — where the head is below the heart.

“This move helps what’s called the Venus return, or getting deoxygenated blood to the heart. Twenty minutes is a good amount of time to prepare the body for 10 hours or more in flight. And it is certainly better than sitting in the waiting room doing nothing.”

Ms Vertue said yoga was also good for pre-flight nerves, adding: “Being nervous and panicky releases adrenaline which, if sustained for long periods of time, can damage the organs.”

Dr Richard Dawood, travel medicine expert at the Fleet Street Clinic, said: “A yoga work-out before boarding will help passengers relax their minds and their bodies, turning what can be a stressful experience into a more enjoyable and relaxing one.”

According to organisers, the lounge is the first such facility in a UK airport and was inspired by a service at San Francisco International. Nikki Barton, Gatwick’s head of terminals and passenger services, said: “This will be a great way to help individuals de-stress and unwind before a flight.”

"So relaxing you may miss that final call"

I find travelling very stressful — long-haul in particular. Even the thought of being cramped up in cattle class for 10 hours or more makes me tense. So I am more than willing to consider anything that can alleviate said strain before I board my flight. Shona’s video is short, to the point and, perhaps most importantly, inclusive to all, so even novices like me can get involved and feel the benefits.

The five-minute meditation section was particularly effective. I just hope it doesn’t mean more people miss their final calls.

@LizzieEdmo