Afraid I'm going to panic when the time comes...Any suggestions for calmly flying?

[Barb D]

We're flying to Florida in a little over a week. Intellectually I know we'll be fine, but emotionally I'm afraid I'm going to break down on the plane. I'm not good at controlling my emotions AT ALL. I cry over small things.

I don't drink, so that won't help. I want my wits about me, so tranquilizers are out, too. I'll pray, of course...

But any other suggestions for keeping my emotions in check while we're on the plane? I need to NOT freak out for my kids' sake (and for the sake of all the poor folks around me...)

 

[Luv2Roam]

MELATONIN!!!
It will mellow you out, without making you feel groggy or nauseous.
I take a 3 mg tab if I have trouble quieting my mind to sleep at night. It comes in 1, 2, or 3 mg -- I think.
When I had to put my old cat down, I was a ball of nerves. I was a complete wreck. I took two tabs and I was able to talk about my poor old kitty without crying and fussing.
If you want to sleep, it will help. But it won't knock you out if you still want to be awake.

 

[nhrenee]

I like your suggestion Luv2roam, also try bringing a very funny comedy book! Our personal favorites are Calvin and Hobbes or Bloom county! (We're kind of immature, I admit it). Maybe a personal CD player with your favorite music? A game you can play with your kids? If your lucky the kids will fight then you'll have something to distract you. Sorry, I think I'm starting to ramble.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Are personal CD players allowed?

 

[Judy from Boise]

If I am afraid ( like hearing noises at night, in bed, when DH is gone) I always sing hymns and praise songs in my head.......I find my brain can only hold one thought so this works for me !

 

[tss2]

My kids and I read "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl on our last plane ride. It was better than the movie and the time went by really fast! I wondered what the people in the seats near by us thought because we laughed alot! On our next flight we plan to read the sequel "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator." Or find another book you might all enjoy together. It sure helps pass the time and keeps everyone busy! Hope this helps!

 

[JodyLynC]

Some airports have stations where you can rent personal DVD players. Not sure of all the details though. I saw this at Columbus airport in Ohio.

 

[MicheleC]

Barb, I have to admit, I am worried about the same thing. We are scheduled to
fly from Newark to Orlando next Wednesday. I know I will be really nervous and
I'm worried I will be so stressed and freaked out when we get on the plane. My
brain is telling me that it will be safer and my husband defintely wants to go. My
3-yr old daughter has been counting the days for the past month. Also, I'm 7 months
pregnant so I can't really take anything to help me relax. I'm worried that I'll get
really freaked out and I don't want to do that to my body right now, being pregnant
and all--I'm anxiously reading all the advice from everyone and it is helping me to calm
down some. Good luck!

Michele

 

[JandD Mom]

I just can't calm down. I don't know why. I am ready to drive to WDW but DH won't hear of it. I keep hoping that we will feel more secure by when we are going (Late Oct). DH has not problem. My friends from Western PA who are meeting us have no fear of going. My kids are young so they have no idea about what happened (and thus, are unafraid). But when I Think about getting on an airplane with my kids, my heart starts beating heavier, my pulse starts to race, and I begin to feel sick. Clearly an anxiety attack; something I have never had before.

 

[Kim&Chris]

We are also traveling from S. Jersey to Orlando in Late October!

We just unloaded our plane tix and opted for the auto train. I can't describe how good I feel now. I am a TOTAL BIG BABY when it comes to flying, and the events of the past week pushed me over the edge.

When I did some research about the auto train, I found that the cost was almost exactly the same as the plane/car rental cost.

Good luck.

 

[soccer mom]

The praying part is good. We must all learn to put our fear in His hands. We can't continue to torture ourselves over things we can't control. I know its easier said than done, but truly ask God to take this and let him deal with it and you get on with living!

Good luck and God bless.

 

[mommanne]

I'm flying to WDW on Saturday, unless something else happens. It's been a very hard decision to make, to still go.

I may tear up on the flight, and if I do, I'm just going to cry. I bet I won't be the only one, either. None of us will ever fly again without thinking about our tragedy.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

I think Im gonna cry the moment I have touchdown and get off that plane. This is very emotional. But youre right - we wont be the only ones.

 

[Nicsmom]

Are you flying out of Logan or TF Green? We're flying out of TF Green Saturday morning. I'm so exhausted and emotionally drained. I'm positive that I will cry like a baby when we land. So, you absolutely won't be alone.

 

[Minybear]

I am with everyone here. We fly on Monday 9/24 and we are seriously considering renting a car. I am stressed about that new development that a plane was going to be hijacked on Saturday 9/22 and they stopped that. My husband is stressed out due to security at the airport will search our luggage.

If we decide to drive it will take us 8 hours to get there. If we fly I will be STRESSED OUT until we land and STRESSED OUT on the way back.

My husband says its almost worth taking a car to be relaxed on our vacation.

Right now I don't know what to do. Its easier to fly and less time consuming.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Im flying out of TF Green Fri morning Oct 5th. My husband and MIL are driving down a few days ahead of time. Im flying with my 9yr son. There will be no other adult for me to vent off of and I dont want to scare my kid. He already wants to take a parachute with him.

 

[mommanne]

I'm flying out of Logan. I'm comfortable with the security. It's just going to be very emotional for me to fly right now.

 

[Chuck S]

I admire anyone who can fly right now without any feelings of nervousness. I'm scheduled to fly to Vegas in November, and unless things improve, Valium will be my very good friend.

I know my reluctance is most likely irrational, given the safety checks in place...just tell that to my tummy.

 

[Barb D]

Minybear, if my drive was only 8 hours I'd definitely be driving. I figure we have a .5 hour drive to the airport, plus a 2 hour wait once we get there, plus a two hour flight, plus, what, a .5 hour to get luggage and another half hour to get the rental car, plus an hour drive from the airport to WDW...which all adds up to 6.5 hours to fly. Drive, for heaven's sake. You may still be able to get your $$ back from the airline (we could, from SW) and you'll definitely save the rental car money.

Our drive would be 18 hours, and we only have 5 days for our entire trip. We're spending two of those days with my grandparents and 3 at WDW, so driving would cut into our vacation time too much.

 

[JandD Mom]

I have been thinking about making the acquaintance of your very good friend also ...