Airplane Distractions

[Aimros]

Hey everyone,

What are some of your best plane distractions? I hate (well ok, I'm TERRIFIED of) flying, but I dont want to take anything to knock myself out when its only a 2 hour flight. I've flown before so I definitely know what to expect --me freaking out anyway-- anyone else hate flying as much as I do? Any suggestions besides leaving a day earlier and driving down myself (NOT)

 

[jlatina32]

Hey everyone,

What are some of your best plane distractions? I hate (well ok, I'm TERRIFIED of) flying, but I dont want to take anything to knock myself out when its only a 2 hour flight. I've flown before so I definitely know what to expect --me freaking out anyway-- anyone else hate flying as much as I do? Any suggestions besides leaving a day earlier and driving down myself (NOT)

I fly JetBlue. They have DirectTV on board their aircrafts so that is one way I keep myself busy. My children are another distraction. I have a fear of flying too. I have a good way of hiding it from my children but my DH knows how nervous I get. Especially when there is turbulence. My DH says "So long as you don't see the flight crew going crazy, you have nothing to worry about." I also bring a CD player to listen to music and a magazine to read. I hope I have been helpful.

 

[annej]

I am with you! I hate hate hate to fly but as I get older I hate to drive long distances more. So I suck it up. I pray ALOT and do Sudoku etc to pass the time. I watch the flight crew also and like a previous post stated, if they seem calm then I figure I am ok. Hang in there and have a good time once that plane safely lands!

 

[adreayoung]

If I'm on Frontier I'll watch Direct TV- which is awsome b/c I can watch my shows on there. I also listen to my iPod and read my magazines

If I'm on Alaska/Horizon (which I am most of the times)- I have the iPod, magazines, laptop, my pillow, and watching out of the window

 

[isyt]

I sooooo understand!!!!! I really hate, hate , hate to fly!!! I will do it if I have to and I don't want my kids to have a fear. We are in north Jersey and drive to Disney most of the time. There is 5 of us and most of the time driving is alot cheaper anyway. In august we went to California. Well when we were delayed because they could not get the plane started is was a little scary!!! I almost got off the plane but all was fine. I like Jet Blue and the old Song flights because of the tv's. I never watched the tv but I would watch the flight tracker to see where we were, how high and how fast. That is the only thing that calms me. I know the engine noises, so its not that but like you said turbelence is a big part of it. I have tried valume (without kids) and it had no effect on me. My doctor told me he would give me better drugs next time (he is terrified to fly). I also don't like taking anything with the kids. I am saving my miles to do Hawaii in 2 years but after the heart attack I almost gave my self to California I am not sure I can do it!!

Anyone else ever think of flying lessons to ease their fear? I think its something I might look into!!

 

[WI_DisneyFan]

Our honeymoon trip to WDW last year was my DW's first time ever on a plane. She was very scared about flying, but she made it through ok. Before the trip (obviously), we purchased a portable DVD player. She was able to watch her favorite movie on the way down, and another on the way back home. It really helped keep her mind off the fact that we were 40,000 feet above ground. Also, we found that if you sit in the middle of the plane (by the wings) that the turbulence and general bumpiness isn't bad at all. Even the landing seemed smoother than normal to me. But maybe we just had a really good pilot.

 

[theblondebee]

I need to take something for airsickness and it usually helps me nap a bit which makes the flight go by faster. Also, once I get on the plane and I see how at ease the flight atendants are, I usually feel better.

 

[miranda1979]

I have my portable DVD player...I also take some cough medicine so that I can fall asleep. heheh

 

[Aimros]

I haven't flown in a few years, but the last few times I did I tried taking Dramamine and it had no effect...I was hoping it would knock me out. DBF's Dad suggested taking some Tylenol PM, or like a previous poster suggested, cough medicine. I might consider that, except I don't want to be drowsy since I will be driving a rental car shortly after I get off the plane...so I'm really trying to avoid any drugs.

I heard ginger is good for an upset stomach so I might go to a health food store and see what they have before I leave. Thanks for all of your suggestions-- I know that I'll definitely be bringing a Gameboy to play, a book/magazine to read, my Passporter to obsess over , and DBF will be bringing his laptop for a movie hopefully. So I think I will be OK....

I just keep thinking how previous posters say "I watch the flight crew and see how calm they are..." well what happens if they start freaking out! Then I'll really lose it !!!

 

[mamacatnv]

I take Xanax - does not "knock" me out or make me feel drugged. It takes away those horrible butterflies in my stomach, the cold sweats and the overall anxiety. My Dr. prescibes it specifically for when I fly and it is great stuff. I am then able to relax, read or take a nap.

 

[madcoco]

 

[4theloveofdisney]

I hate flying myself! I would get an RX from your doctor. Also wear a heavy rubber band on your wrist and everytime you get anxious, snap it. Bring a good book - and I mean one that you are really into - not one you just started. Or, bring a video game. I personally love Tetris and could play it over and over. Bottom line - whatever you might enjoy to distract you and a little "snap" to trick your brain into concentrating on your wrist instead of your anxiety. I'm not kidding - I read about this and it works for me.

Good luck!

 

[dollcollector1]

I don't know what it is about flying, when I hit that seat, I'm usually out even before the plane takes off! And this is with NO meds, nothing ! Last time I flew, I slept the entire 26 hour flight to the Amazon. The 2/1/2 hour flight to WDW will be my nap for the rest of that day. I sleep better on a flight ,than I do at home! I should trade in my queen size bed at home ,for a seat in coach.

 

[Aimros]

I don't know what it is about flying, when I hit that seat, I'm usually out even before the plane takes off! And this is with NO meds, nothing ! Last time I flew, I slept the entire 26 hour flight to the Amazon. The 2/1/2 hour flight to WDW will be my nap for the rest of that day. I sleep better on a flight ,than I do at home! I should trade in my queen size bed at home ,for a seat in coach.

You are very lucky!! I can't even sleep in cars, in chairs, on couches...only beds, Nothing that moves! I even had a tough time the first night on a cruise, when you barely feel the movement. So even trying the "i'll just stay up all night the night before so I can sleep on the plane" doesn't even work for me. Although I will probably be up all night anyway, trembling with fear about the plane ride the next morning. Just kidding...all of these suggestions have been great.

 

[goaliewife]

We usually bring a deck of cards or other games to play to keep our minds occupied. I also watch the movies offered. We are planning to fly Jet Blue next October and Directv will be wonderful for both of us and the grandchildren. Reading sometimes helps me, but I am easily distracted with any little noise, so I find myself reading the same paragraph repeatedly. Games helps the best for me.

 

[Mouse511]

I'm not crazy about flying either. Our flight to WDW is only 2 1/2 hours, but I'm too hyper to sit there for that long. I usually buy magazines at the airport and that seems to pass the time rather quickly.

 

[Aimros]

I'm not crazy about flying either. Our flight to WDW is only 2 1/2 hours, but I'm too hyper to sit there for that long. I usually buy magazines at the airport and that seems to pass the time rather quickly.

Mouse511, I totally forgot about my plan from over the summer- I am going to buy all the worst celebrity gossip mags I can find at the airport to occupy myself! Thanks for reminding me!!! You must fly out of BDL too being a CT native, my flight is 2.5 hours long as well.

I always want to read these at work since they are so addicting, but being a lifeguard, I should really be paying more attention to the swimmers just kidding, of course!

 

[DisFhan]

WOW..... I did not think that many people were worried about flying. I feel bad about that, because I think flying is the best experience in the world. Maybe not all the delays but the actual airtime, there is no other feeling. I wish people could enjoy it as much as I do. I still think everyday that I should have gone into the airforce. I still kick myself today for my choice of not going in, to be a pilot. Now I am stuck in the world of Freelance TV, which I love but would rather be in the skies.....

 

[disnut1149]

Hey everyone,

What are some of your best plane distractions? I hate (well ok, I'm TERRIFIED of) flying, but I dont want to take anything to knock myself out when its only a 2 hour flight. I've flown before so I definitely know what to expect --me freaking out anyway-- anyone else hate flying as much as I do? Any suggestions besides leaving a day earlier and driving down myself (NOT)

Hi
I HATE to fly. I think I'm not going to be nervous, but I'm a nervous wreck. I now take Xanax. It's great. We're only 2 1/2 hrs. away, but when I take this, I usually sleep the whole time. It really relaxes you, and now I feel like I can fly almost anywhere, (well, not overseas). I have flown to Cancun and the Grand Canyon, and couldn't believe time went so fast on the plane. You can ask your doctor for a prescription, and if you have children, just take a small dose. Good luck.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

If you want to work on overcoming your fear of flying then check out this free site and their message board. There are plenty of DISers over there too!

www.takingflight.us is the site and www.takingflight.us/forums is the message board.

They have commercial airline pilots, a psychologist, doctors, nurses, business travelers, small plane pilots and plenty of recovering fearful flyers. Come join us!