Anyone else is paranoid of flying???

[scasta86]

I'm about to head out to WDW for the first time in 10 years, but as I don't fly that often when I do I start getting paranoid about the whole thing. Anyone else feels like that, and how do you deal with it? Thanks a lot for supportive responses.

 

[fourseasons]

ohhh yes... my wife

 

[WHIT1]

Also I take xanax. Its a lifesaver. The next thing I do is request an outside seat as close to the front as possible. I tell the airline people this and they usually are very helpful.Bring lots of trash magazines,this seems to be the only thing that will keep my focus. Also have a family member that is with you talk to you about disney this will keep you focused.Maybe even sleep if you take the xanax,then you will be fresh and ready to go when you get there. Hope this helps some. whit1

 

[Pixiedust34]

Here is a website that might help you:

http://www.takingflight.us/

I think that you are safer in the air than you would be if you were driving to WDW. Try to keep that in mind while in flight. Bring along books and magazines. If you have any Disney trip planning books, bring those along so you can focus on how much fun you'll be having on your trip. Before you know it, you'll be in Orlando! : )

 

[cstraub]

You may find this web site helpful.......Fear of flying

 

[Disneytwinz]

Yes me...how do I deal? Drive. Because I am not getting on a plane, I'm a chicken! lol
Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[mickeymom629]

I haven't been on a plane since the 1980's! We drive to WDW. Not only am I terribly afraid of flying (since the Air Florida crash at National Airport, Washington, D.C.), but with four children, driving usually has been the much more economical way to go.

If I were to plan any trip on a plane, I would be having panic thoughts in the middle of the night right now.

 

[petrymom]

ME!!!! I am okay until I get ready to board. I also use Xanax. It helped on the way to disney last time, but on the way back I could have used a stronger dose!!!!

 

[Brer boy]

Yes, I used to be terrified of flying. I now take Xanax and do read the links above explaining about flying. That helps me understand if there is turbulance, etc. I now have no problems whatsoever. I also usually fall asleep while flying because of the Xanax.

 

[PamNC]

I am not afraid of flying - as long as there is little or no turbulence. The turbulence gives me the hibby jibbys. However, smooth flights don't bother me. I'm going to try the xanax thing...I have some that a friend gave me and it seems to calm yhou down pretty quickly.

PamNC

 

[ILVPOOH]

My DH is terrible when it comes to flying. The last time we flew to Florida was in 2000. The doctor gave him some pills. It worked a little to calm him down. He read some magazines, but he never really relaxed on the plane. I feel so bad for him, that we just drive now. I'm glad we aren't too far from Disney so that we can drive.

 

[MandaPerry]

My mom is flying down by herself for the first time and it does not help any that it is on Friday the 13th. She is strating to get really nervouse

 

[eliza61]

I'm about to head out to WDW for the first time in 10 years, but as I don't fly that often when I do I start getting paranoid about the whole thing. Anyone else feels like that, and how do you deal with it? Thanks a lot for supportive responses.

I absolutely hate flying! but to me it's a necessary evil. I take a lot to do and just keep repeating to myself. "I'll be in disney soon, I'll be in disney soon...." Also I board at the last possible minute so I don't sit around waiting for other folks to board and stress out.

Good luck

 

[stampin_fool]

I hate to fly and usually take something prescribed by a MD but my last flight I paid for the inflight movie and didn't even need to take my medication and was fine. It kept me occupied and it was a piece of cake. If you don't like the movies that are playing or the flight isn't long enough for them to offer it, bring a book to help keep your mind from wandering.

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

My dd, 30, is flying into MCO in Jan, a trip with her dad and step-mom to Cocoa Beach. She is terrified. She's talking about going to the doctor to get something to get her through it all. I've been trying to talk to her, telling her it's safer in the air, to watch the FA's, that she should go over to one of those terrific websites about fear and flying. But, to no avail. I think I'll pack her a 'survival' bag...lots of magazines!!!! The poor thing is starting to rethink the whole trip. Her 13 y/o little sister has more milage on her..her first flight was at the age of 4 and from Boston to Seattle!! While I am not the best flier in the world, I do it. Thanks for some of the tips for the nervous flier...I'll pass them on to my nervous nellie dd!!

 

[brbenoit]

I look at it two ways, there is the being paranoid of flying and those who actually get airsick.

Viewed objectively (yes I know that being objective doesn't help in these situations) flying is much safer than driving.

Last year I logged over 75,000 air miles and this year I will be coming in at only 50,000. Based on experience, you are very safe. From a pure engineering aspect planes are designed to "want" to fly.

If you are at all concerned about turbulence or anything else I recommend watching the flight crew. They will likely be acting as if nothing is going on, and that means that you can start to put your mind at ease.

The thing that I love about flying rather than driving is that it is a completely passive experience, I don't have to do a thing, I can read, watch a movie or sleep.

I know that this does little to help people who are nervous about flying. My question to those who don't like to fly is, what is it that bothers you? I seriously want to try to understand better since I have a difficult time relating. And I am not talking about physical impact to pressure changes, I know those very well and can often tell how quickly we are ascending descending just by my ears.

 

[WHIT1]

This is why I have trouble with flying. Also now add menerie's disease,a problem with my ears. But thanks to people here on the board I use earplanes which helps me somewhat. I still don't like being closed in and have to see the exit sign. Doing all this I can handle it pretty well.Yes, I do have some problem at Disney being closed in but it quickly goes away,cause I love going to Disney so much.

 

[DizziDezi2]

My bf took his first flight ever with me last year at the age of 22. He freaked out. Seriously. I probably wasnt sensitive enough either. This time, I have a plan. I bought him some xanex, and plan on pumping him full of it. He'll be sleeping in the clouds in no time. I also requested him an aisle seat, and am going to buy him lots of car magazines to look at on the way. I also feed him all time, you all know how grumpy guys can be when they are hungry

 

[goofy4tink]

This is why I have trouble with flying. Also now add menerie's disease,a problem with my ears. But thanks to people here on the board I use earplanes which helps me somewhat. I still don't like being closed in and have to see the exit sign. Doing all this I can handle it pretty well.Yes, I do have some problem at Disney being closed in but it quickly goes away,cause I love going to Disney so much.

Have you tried using a decongestant before you fly? I also have very early Menieres, and the doctors recommended I try that. My ears used to be a big problem. So far, so good!!!
I'm also a strong believer in watching the flight crew...if they are white-knuckled, then you can start worrying. If they are just going about their business...you're good to go!!!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I am wishy washy on this. Sometimes I am fine and love it (I actually thought of being a pilot in HS) and then sometimes I hate it. For some reason, I am better when I fly alone...maybe because I have no one to be frightened to...I did take valium when I flew last year to Spain and it helped.

I would suggest going to the doctor and asking for a light perscription of valium...they will write a script if you tell them what you are feeling. My sis has to take something every time she drives over a bridge, fly, etc since 9/11...

Although, I get scared at times, I will never stop flying. There are too many great places to see!

All the best!