Don't wanna fly

[lovin'fl]

So, we'll be going to Disney in 2 weeks. I've flown only 3 or 4 times in my life, the last time having been about 13 years ago. I'm a tad anxious about it and planned to go to my doctor and get a little pill to help me get through it. I'm not going to be able to get to the doc in the next 2 weeks, so any advice? I was thinking a shot at the bar while we wait to board the flight ;-) Also, the last time I flew my ears hurt pretty badly...any tips on preventing that? Thank goodness it's a pretty quick flight...DC to Orlando. This will be our 1st time flying and using the ME.... I am excited about the ease of it all...go to airport, drop of luggage, get on plane for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, get off plane, get on ME, go to resort, check in and luggage will arrive to your room. Seems better than driving 14+ hours with a van full of kids and luggage...having to make stops, including an overnight (dragging some luggage in for just that 1 night).

 

[goofy4tink]

Ok, take a deep breath. There...that's better. You do know that flying is incredibly safe, right??? It is actually pretty hard to bring a plane down. So, with that in mind...
No, you don't need to go to the bar and have a drink. Bad idea. And I'm one of those who is against taking anything to make flying 'easier'. But, others do disagree with that.
Do I 'like' flying? Nope. But, I tolerate it since it gets me to my destination so much faster than driving....3 hrs vs 24 hrs. My best advice is to be well rested, bring along some magazines (not books), get to the gate with plenty of time to spare. Rushing around only adds to anxiety.
You can take a good decongestant about an hour before you fly..that should hold you until you get to MCO. Or take one 8 hrs prior to departure, then a second one an hour prior. An antihistimine can take the 'edge' off...make you a bit sleepy. So, you can do that as well, if you choose to.

I always told my dd to watch the flight attendents once in the air. If they looked relaxed and fine, then you can relax.

 

[sam_gordon]

Grab a bottle of water, soda, juice whatever past security. Start drinking (not chugging) as the plane rolls down the runway. Once you get to cruising altitude (you'll know because you can use electronic devices), you'll be good. Save some for the descent. The swallowing will help equalizing the pressure in your ears.

goofy4tink... why magazines and not books?

 

[bear_mom]

I remember not being able to equalize the pressure in my ears when I flew about 20 years ago, it was HORRIBLE. I cried for hours after the plane landed. Now I always take a psedafed before I fly. The good kind, the kind you have to get from the pharmasist.

Emily

 

[goofy4tink]

Grab a bottle of water, soda, juice whatever past security. Start drinking (not chugging) as the plane rolls down the runway. Once you get to cruising altitude (you'll know because you can use electronic devices), you'll be good. Save some for the descent. The swallowing will help equalizing the pressure in your ears.

goofy4tink... why magazines and not books?

Good advice on the water/juice. That does help equalize your ears.
Why magazines??? Many people find that magazines hold your focus more than a book...they are glossy, and a quick read. So, you can peruse it, rather than have to 'get into it'. IF you are already in the middle of a great book, then sure, go with the book. But, if are planning on starting a book on the flight, it may not be enough to take your thoughts away to where you are.

 

[coltsfanatic]

You'll be fine! Just relax. It's funny because my relatives and I are the exact opposites-I absolutely love flying and they hate it. They'll skip meals, wear their baseball hats over their eyes the whole flight, won't say a word, etc. and I'll be sitting there smiling while perusing magazines and itineraries relaxed as ever.

I know there are many OTC patches, etc. that can be worn. Also, herbal teas work wonders. Before your flight, drink a glass of chamomile tea, buy a patch and maybe even schedule a massage.

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

Another suggestion for your ear problems. You could head over to your local drug store and look for "ear planes" to wear during ascent and descent. Those are supposed to help equalize the pressure on your ears.

I agree with PP, avoid the alcohol prior to or on the flight. It'll only make you want to get up mid flight to hit the nasty little bathroom at best, and could cause potentially problems if you are actually taking anything that is supposed to calm your nerves.

Arrive to the airport extra early, especially if traveling with children, so you can get through the security screening with plenty of time. I'm one who likes to get there so early that I can actually find food on the other side of security, eat it and still have time to relax before first boarding calls. I know our airport (IND) has multiple lines for security, some meant specifically for families who aren't frequent fliers where they actually are very helpful with regards to getting through the process as painlessly as possible.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

So, we'll be going to Disney in 2 weeks. I've flown only 3 or 4 times in my life, the last time having been about 13 years ago. I'm a tad anxious about it and planned to go to my doctor and get a little pill to help me get through it. I'm not going to be able to get to the doc in the next 2 weeks, so any advice? I was thinking a shot at the bar while we wait to board the flight ;-) Also, the last time I flew my ears hurt pretty badly...any tips on preventing that? Thank goodness it's a pretty quick flight...DC to Orlando. This will be our 1st time flying and using the ME.... I am excited about the ease of it all...go to airport, drop of luggage, get on plane for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, get off plane, get on ME, go to resort, check in and luggage will arrive to your room. Seems better than driving 14+ hours with a van full of kids and luggage...having to make stops, including an overnight (dragging some luggage in for just that 1 night).

did you look into Amtrack?............We love taking the train......AKK

 

[Huff]

I found taking along a DVD player and a couple pairs of headphones worked wonders for a skittish wife! That and something to eat along the way for lunch. Keeping her occupied helped greatly.

For ear troubles there are ear plugs available specifically made for flying for people sensitive to pressure changes. Also a good decongesant taken before flight helps considerably. Most of the aches comes when landing so thats really the only time you need to wear the ear plugs.

 

[Missytara]

We had two first time fliers with us this year; my neighbor and her friend's five year old. I thought Holly was going to lose her breakfast when we were sitting in the airport waiting to board, but she had an easy time of it.

So did the 5 year old; she thought it was "way cool."

They both chewed gum and/or drank out of a water bottle to keep the ear popping down to a minimum.

 

[sam_gordon]

I found taking along a DVD player and a couple pairs of headphones worked wonders for a skittish wife!

Just a reminder that ALL electronic devices will need to be turned off from when they shut the door of the plane until it reaches 10,000 feet. Depending on taxi time and how long to wait until you can take the runway, it could be 15 minutes or it could be 45 minutes.

You'll also have to turn everything off during the landing (they'll tell you when). I would make sure you have a book, magazine, crossword puzzle, sudoko, etc... something that doesn't have an on/off switch.

 

[mmbrad02]

I don't love flying either, so I can sympathize with you on that. My DH will go along with just about any trip idea I have, but if it's a lengthy trip, flying is really the only way he will agree. So I go along with it because I like to go places!

I'm a bit different, but for take off I usually just hold on to the arm of the seat and look down IMy DH, on the other hand, stares out the window the whole time. We leave tomorrow and this time we have our 1 year old so I have a feeling that will be entertainment enough for me!

I've never had too much trouble with pressure, just swallowing a few times usually does fine for me, but I have a cold this time so I have a feeling it will be worse. I have already tucked a package of gum in my carry on so hopefully I will remember to stick a piece in my mouth

 

[lovin'fl]

Awesome advice...thanks everyone!!! Shopping list:gum, decongestant and maybe an antihistamine, special ear plugs, magazines, crossword/wordsearch. Will charge up my Ipod (I actually haven't used it in months) and add some Christmas music. And I'll grab a bottle of water before I get on the plane. Yay! I feel better. 13 days

 

[goofy4tink]

Both my dd and I have used the EarPlanes....they really do work. Sorry, I completely forgot to mention them. Glad someone else did!!!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Chewing gum can help with the ear problems. On take off and landings I usually hold my mouth open as if I were at the dentist, to keep my ears from popping.
Nothing to be nervous about! Just think that when you land you will be ready to start your vacation. Think about all the fun you will have.

I agree with PP magazines are great reading tools. I like taking readers digest. It small in size so it doesnt take up a lot of room in my carry on. Has a lot of short stories or articles to keep me occupied for the length of the flight..