Air from New Orleans/afraid to fly

[kaguilbeau]

I have a 16 yr old that is afraid of flying. She's never flown, just convinced herself that she is afraid. She has been invited on a summer trip to fly to New York. An experience of a lifetime for her - but she is afraid to fly. Now - being the nice Mom that I am - I am considering booking a weekend trip somewhere close that we can fly to. Give her some "panic attack medicine" and enjoy ourselves. I checked Southwest.com for their specials, roundtrip for two was 320 +/-. Any other ideas? Dallas, San Antonio & Nashville were all about the same price as Orlando (and what could be more fun!!) Fly in on a Friday and out on a Monday? Is there another combo that might cost less? Remember, the main point is to let her experience the flight - this would be about 1 hr 50 min time in the air. Any comments?

 

[scootron]

Sounds like a great idea to me!! Take a nice trip with your daughter; get her over that anxiety of flying so her trip in the summer will be easy for her. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with this plan. She should be excited enough to be going to WDW that hopefully no meds would be necessary. Both of my children were a little anxious when they first flew, but it only took 10 minutes or so into the flight for them to be comfortable with it. For both, the final destination was pretty far for their first trips, but there was a quick 50 minute flight to a hub and then a short layover. By the time we took off from the hub, they both thought they were old pros. My DD was 8, almost 9 at the time of her first flight. My DS was 5, almost 6, at the time of his.

 

[Blondiex46]

I have 10 year old that is also afraid to fly, someone suggested that I call US Air and speak with them to see if they have a video or something they can send. I intend on speaking with the people on the plane and maybe having the pilot speak with him.

 

[kcarp]

Hi kaguilbeau,

The first time I flew was from New Orleans to Orlando and your right it was less than 2 hours. It was not bad at all. I think it would be a good place to start. The time in flight is around 1 hour & 15 min.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

This sounds like a glorious idea. Both New Orleans(MSY) and Orlando(MCO) are great airports to fly in and out of. They are somewhat smaller and less threatening than some of the other airports one might experience (especially compared to major airports such as JFK, Newark or Laguardia where she might land in the summer.) Enjoy your trip -- and don't forget to stock up on Aunt Sally's Pralines before you leave the Big Easy!!!

 

[kaguilbeau]

I thought this was a good idea also. However, I must admit I am considering doing it as much for myself as for the daughter!

I have mentioned the idea to her and her response was, "Now, Momma, if I'm afraid to fly, do you think I'm willing going to step foot on an airplane "just to get the feel of it"?

Mom: Then you won't be able to go to New York

Daughter: I'll just take some medicine to "calm me down"

I'm really thinking about booking the flight and two nights at the hotel. Waking her up early that morning and saying, "come on, let's go!" If she knows about it weeks or months ahead, she will worry herself sick about the upcoming trip. Some therapist out there will probably think that this is not a good idea.

Any other thoughts?

 

[kaguilbeau]

I went ahead and booked us each tickets for a long weekend. I'll wait till the day before or so to tell her so she won't freak out for weeks at a time. Now - got to get that hotel. Maybe Pop Century. Usually we go with a family of 6, so we are never able to stay in the economy resorts.