Anyone Have a Fear of Flying Especially This Week?

[famsen]

We are flying out on Wednesday from Chicago. Although I am always scared and worried every time I have to fly, this week with all the alerts and warnings, I am in full blown panic attack mode. I literally had a panic attack last night and into today. It's to the point that I am actually contemplating cancelling our trip.
The worst was tonight when I saw on the local ABC news station that August 7th( our flight date) is a potential target date the intelligence community is concerned about.
Anyone else feeling at least uneasy about travel this week or am I being totally irrational?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

No, I'm not worried and yes, you're being irrational. The current threat is not even for the US.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I think we are only human to worry. We are no longer isolated from the radical world. I thought to about our trip and if a plan was to hit crowds of people at the Magical World.

We were there about two weeks post 911 and it was really empty. Try to relax and focus on a great time unless the chatter comes to our soil.

 

[conandrob240]

C'mon, cyberspace, there is always a threat and a risk. It is normal to have mild concern. If it keeps you from living your life, then it is irrational and too consuming. It will be fine. I don't love to fly bit do it and tell myself "thousands of flights land and take off every single day and nothing ever happens". Happy travels!

 

[famsen]

Cyberspace, you are wrong. If you kept up with current events or just watched the news tonight, you would see that the authorities are now stating that there is still so much unknown about the specific targets that it could very well be within the U.S. That is why security has been increased at American airports and other transportation hubs such as train stations. Just made a call to our airport and the message states to allow more time due to the increased security measures in place. Please be informed before you decide I am being irrational.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

C'mon, cyberspace, there is always a threat and a risk. It is normal to have mild concern. If it keeps you from living your life, then it is irrational and too consuming. It will be fine. I don't love to fly bit do it and tell myself "thousands of flights land and take off every single day and nothing ever happens". Happy travels!

Where did I say the OP was abnormal? .

However, the OP said he/she was in full panic mode and considering canceling the trip. That is not what I would call, "mildly concerned."

 

[smidgy]

.
Anyone else feeling at least uneasy about travel this week or am I being totally irrational?

in all fairness, the OP did ask the question.

I myself might feel a bit uneasy, but I wouldn't consider cancelling the trip. would considering cancelling be irrational? that's a matter of opinion, adn exactly what the OP asked for. opinions.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Cyberspace, you are wrong. If you kept up with current events or just watched the news tonight, you would see that the authorities are now stating that there is still so much unknown about the specific targets that it could very well be within the U.S. That is why security has been increased at American airports and other transportation hubs such as train stations. Just made a call to our airport and the message states to allow more time due to the increased security measures in place. Please be informed before you decide I am being irrational.

I saw on the night news flights from LA to NY have extensive security screenings. It does cause some anxiety.

 

[LadyBeBop]

I'm not worried about an airbourne attack. That's been attempted/accomplished too many times. I think the terrorists might be aiming for a ground attack. Where or when? I don't know. I might be wrong, and the terrorists might be planning another air attack. But I can't let it consume my life.

There is talk that the recent incident in Venice, CA, where a car plowed into a crowd of people, might be terrorism related. Apparently, that plan of attack was mentioned in an al Qaeda handbook.

My daughter just cancelled a planned trip to Thailand for the end of the month. She is going to Jamaica instead. She claims it's not terrorism related. She claims she's worried about the weather; that it could be the start of tsunami season. I didn't even think tsunamis had specific seasons. All I know is that she is going to Jamaica during the height of the hurricane season. Still, I know she and her husband can take care of themselves in a hurricane. I'm not sure about a terrorist though.

 

[grandmomhop]

We can't let that control us. Flying in general scares me. Especially when the pilot, as on my last trip, looks like he is way too young to be driving, yet alone flying. Still looking forward to our Magical Disney trip with our daughter and family, and will worry about them flying down just like I have forever. I'd worry if they were driving too.

And as for the rest of the worries, anyone who randomly can target groups of people, at any event or schools, movie theaters, and town meetings now, can be called a terrorist, since they created terror. We can't stop crazy.

Peace be with us all.

 

[spidet1964]

I hate to fly anway and always take Xanax anyway. I'll take 2 this time.
Call your dr he can give you something for anxiety.

 

[sjs314]

I would be a bit more anxious than normal but would still go. There is always a risk no matter where you go nowadays

 

[Dan Murphy]

You certainly are not being irrational, famsen. 's Concerned? Sure. Many people get concerned when flying, quite common. And during heightened alert times like now, easy to be more concerned. But, try to relax, think of where you are going, keep your mind busy. An Rx for a mild relaxer from the doctor is fine also, many people do.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[jillianml]

I fly alone with my 2 young children and every single time I literally make myself put one foot in front of the other and just do it!I am afraid of terrorist and the plane falling out of the sky lol!The night before my last big trip I hear my husband tell my older daughter stay clear of your mom pretty sure shes having a panic attack lol!The day we travel I have everything organized and in place and always tell my husband as he is dropping us off at the airport this day is just gonna go and I am going to go with it! My kids don't know I am afraid to fly,I conceal it well!I don't want them to be afraid,we survived 9/11 and its so real in my mind!My best tip is take an early flight so you aren't sitting around waiting getting more nervous!My point to all my drama is your not alone and certainly not irrational you just have to keep the crazy in check!!!Have a great trip!

 

[keishashadow]

We are flying out on Wednesday from Chicago. Although I am always scared and worried every time I have to fly, this week with all the alerts and warnings, I am in full blown panic attack mode. I literally had a panic attack last night and into today. It's to the point that I am actually contemplating cancelling our trip.
The worst was tonight when I saw on the local ABC news station that August 7th( our flight date) is a potential target date the intelligence community is concerned about.
Anyone else feeling at least uneasy about travel this week or am I being totally irrational?

imo it's prudent to be concerned about these warnings in general and I think many of us collectively hold our breath on anniversary of 9-11 each year.

You reference having a panic attack which is nothing to fluff off either. Without getting into TMI (not sure if this is a recurring thing or a first-time event) you might want to possibly consult your medical provider for assistance. I fly frequently but still get claustrophobic feeling up until takeoff but it's an acceptable and known tradeoff for me (no meds but when I upgrade to business class on AT appreciate the bloody mary in the morning).

Worrying about an official warning shortly before a flight would have my mind going a million miles a moment too...Good luck!

 

[KrazeeK120]

We can't let that control us. Flying in general scares me. Especially when the pilot, as on my last trip, looks like he is way too young to be driving, yet alone flying. Still looking forward to our Magical Disney trip with our daughter and family, and will worry about them flying down just like I have forever. I'd worry if they were driving too.

And as for the rest of the worries, anyone who randomly can target groups of people, at any event or schools, movie theaters, and town meetings now, can be called a terrorist, since they created terror. We can't stop crazy.

Peace be with us all.

LOL this made me laugh...a kid I went to high school with is a pilot. He is in his upper 20s but looks much, much younger. Now, he's actually one of the Blue Angels. I'd absolutely trust him to fly any plane I was on...because I know him. I'd imagine that those who don't know him would have a different reaction.

Looks can be deceiving!

 

[jillianml]

Safe travels today everyone!

 

[CPT Tripss]

I saw on the night news flights from LA to NY have extensive security screenings. It does cause some anxiety.

Cyberspace, you are wrong. If you kept up with current events or just watched the news tonight, you would see that the authorities are now stating that there is still so much unknown about the specific targets that it could very well be within the U.S. That is why security has been increased at American airports and other transportation hubs such as train stations. Just made a call to our airport and the message states to allow more time due to the increased security measures in place. Please be informed before you decide I am being irrational.

Isn't all that increased security supposed to make you feel safer?

Once again, whether with just chatter or a real threat, the terrorists are scaring the begeegbers out of some. Chalk that up as a "win." And let's hope it's just chatter.

 

[Fairyjen1]

We are actually flying on 9/11. It's the only time we could go.

Did you know SW charges an additional 10$ 9/11 security fee if you fly that day. It's itemized on my bill!

As for me, I'm not going to worry about it. The likelihood my particular plane will be targeted is small. I bet I have greater odds of getting in an accident driving to the airport that morning.

However, in the end you have to decide what you are comfortable with. There's nothing wrong with being concerned or even cancelling if that is what you feel you need to do. It's not a choice I would make, but I wouldn't think you were irrational if you made it. Everyone has their own comfort level and it's not for me to judge.

Jen

 

[crashbb]

Did you know SW charges an additional 10$ 9/11 security fee if you fly that day. It's itemized on my bill!

It's on every bill - no matter what day you fly! And it isn't specific to SW.

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/purchasing-and-refunds/gsf-pol.html