Do you enjoying flying?

[PollyannaMom]

I haven't flown during covid, and that would make me nervous. But before all this, I loved flying!

I love watching the clouds out the window, losing myself in a good book, and the whole idea of being on vacation (which to me starts in the airport - so I don't even mind that. - It's really one of the best places to people-watch!...Just look at the end of "Love, Actually.")

 

[OKW Lover]

I love flying. Don't particularly care for the airport part of the trip, but the actual flying is great.

 

[Kitty 34]

I haven't flown during covid, and that would make me nervous. But before all this, I loved flying!

I love watching the clouds out the window, losing myself in a good book, and the whole idea of being on vacation (which to me starts in the airport - so I don't even mind that. - It's really one of the best places to people-watch!...Just look at the end of "Love, Actually.")

I absolutely love watching the clouds in hopefully my window seat when I used to fly.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I don't hate flying, but it lost its interest a long time ago.

 

[bcla]

I'm certainly not afraid of flying, although I've been on flights in bad weather where it was like a roller coaster and passengers applauded upon landing.

The only thing I don't like about commercial aviation is the noise.

 

[North of Mouse]

Hate, hate it! Had a couple scary flights, was nervous to begin with, and that finished it off about 20 years ago. If we can't drive, we don't go! Dh hates it too, but not afraid, he just got burned out after making over 18 trips to Japan with his job several years ago. Also, all the rigmarole with checkin and baggage.
I 'did' enjoy the pampering we got on our flight to the Caribbean several years ago tho - delicious lunch and dinner with real china and silverware, hot towels, great snacks, etc.

 

[sam_gordon]

The only thing I don't like about commercial aviation is the noise.

Get you a good pair of noise cancelling headphones.

 

[_19disnA]

Flying is a great way to travel long distances much faster then driving. Increased security/TSA are a fact of life in the post-9/11 era and you have to arrive earlier then in the past. Would still rather fly then drive given the choice.

 

[SarahM1987]

I would like it more if there was an element of gracious customer service instead of making me feel like cargo

Absolutely hate it, and I fully agree with what LuvOrlando said, they need to stop treating people like cargo! Don't get me wrong because I've had a lot of pleasant experiences with airline personnel, but the bad seems to outweigh the good by a lot. I know security is important, but some of their policies need to be changed, that or the people in those jobs need to be better trained. I'm not afraid of flying, its just everything else about it that I don't like.

Worst experience was a trip to Vegas that my friends and I went on and my chair wasn't put on the plane due to the regular boarding procedures to get me on and off the plane. I was stressed out, but the people in Vegas were very helpful in finally tracking it down that evening so at least I knew it wasn't lost. Thankfully it arrived the following day and someone from the airline brought it to our hotel. It shouldn't of happened to begin with though, and now every time we fly I'm worried about it happening again. On average airlines lose or damage 26 chairs a day... Ridiculous!

 

[melk]

Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll give it a try. I realize my fear isn't rational, kind of like my fear of spiders. I'm not a control freak, so being in control isn't really the issue.

Like a previous poster, my fear also started after a turbulent flight into Denver. I think the old Stapleton airport was notorious for that.

We're flying tomorrow, and I'm already feeling sick about it.

I, too, had a very turbulent flight that kind of ruined me. But the book has a whole section on turbulence that really helped me. Remember that the planes are built to withstand even the worst turbulence. Also, it’s all in what your brain is used to. Pilots and flight attendants are often not even aware of the turbulence because they’re so used to it. Another poster mentioned looking at their cup of water on the tray. Even though we might think the turbulence is horrible, keep an eye on the water. If it’s not sloshing out of the cup everywhere, it’s just normal, mild turbulence.

Hoping your flight goes smoothly tomorrow!

 

[Travel60]

I used to love it. Early in my career I saw work travel as "road trip!". Even after having kids, I enjoyed it and they were good flyers. The last 10-15 years or so the US airlines have started treating passengers like cattle and too many passengers have responded by behaving like boars. We now have a personal policy of flying business class (occasionally first class) for any flight over 2 hours. Whenever we can fly on an international carrier, we try to do that.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Fly yes. I don't care for the cattle call to get through the airport.

ITA

 

[fla4fun]

I don’t like takeoff or landing, but am okay while just flying along. I think it’s because statistically most issues occur during takeoff or landing, not mid flight. I only fly if there is no other way to get there. Pre-Covid I was planning a solo trip to Disneyland, and planned to drive both ways.

 

[cjlong88]

I really like flying. We love to travel so anytime I’m on a plane I’m excited to just go somewhere else.

 

[goofyernmost]

I can't truthfully say that I LOVE flying, but it really doesn't bother me all that much. It certainly is a great way to get places in a hurry. The only time I have any anxiety at all is just before boarding. I'm not sure why, but once aboard it is no different then when I get in my car.

 

[MamaLema]

I used to, when I was younger, but gradually became more and more nervous about it. Now, in my 50's, I'm basically terrified of getting on a plane. I have resorted to using drugs (Xanax) in order to cope, and even with that, I'm resigned to the fact that we're probably going to die in a fiery crash before reaching our destination. I hate flying like a zombie, but I have little choice, other than driving. I also hate driving long distances. If it means sitting in a car for over 6 hours, I'll force myself to get on the plane. I love our vacations though, so I keep putting myself through this hell. Has anyone found something that helps with this kind of anxiety? I'm so envious of people that enjoy flying.

I could have written this myself. My anxiety is 10/10 on a plane. Add to this my motion sickness is 10/10. Unlike you though, I love long road trips. Longest one so far was 30 hours.

The only thing that semi- works for me is doing my best to distract myself. I listen to relaxing music and pretend I’m somewhere else. And I could never fly alone. I need to hold DH’s hand during take off and turbulence.

 

[White Cat]

Very much so.

 

[nemodad]

I love to fly. I could fly somewhere and turn around and fly right just for the experience

 

[marthachick]

I like flying. It means I’m going somewhere fun. DH does not enjoy flying.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Flying is great. Airport security not so much,