fear of flying

[pawn626]

hi all, i am terrified of flying, please help. it is onlt a 3hour flight but i am still wicked scared. we flew on our last trip to wdw but i don't feel any better after that either, i literally get sick to my stomach thinking about it and it is still 3mos. away. any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks



me dh ds17

 

[petrymom]

Go see your doctor and ask for something to help you relax for the flight. I did this both times we flew. I felt more relaxed about the flight. I wasn't perfect, but it did help!!!!

 

[justplaingoofy]

Ohhh.. I know there is nothing we can say to make this better for you.

Try to think about all the flight crew that do this day in and day out. If they did not feel safe they wouldn't do it everyday

I didn't see what time your flight is. Might be best to have the first flight out in the AM. so you don't have the day to stew on it.

If your M.D. doesn't give you anything you can take a benadryl. Just be careful because flying is dehydrating & so is benadryl. (a glass of wine with it might help too )

 

[mcco5543]

learn some deep breathing techniques. It slows down your whole system, breathing, heartrate...and makes you feel calmer..and gives you something to focus on.

Take a lucky charm. Something physical you can hold on to.
And defintiely talk to your doc about something to help you through it.

 

[TheBigQ]

I can empathize w/you. I hate flying as well. I've read a book called "Wings of Discovery" which helped a little. I also have meds from my doc if needed. But the biggest help thus far is logging onto Flight Aware (I'm not sure if thats the name..I'll check). This tracks all the flights each day and it has really helped me check on our particular flights and see them arriving to their destination day after day after day.

HTH! Good luck!


Edit: I did check it is called Flight Aware try www.flightaware.com if you want.

 

[rluey29]

I'm the same way about flying. I seem to do better if I have a window seat during the day. Something about being able to see a little helps. At night or in storms on the other hand I get very frightened. I don't like it but I'd do it to go to Disney!!!!

 

[Aimros]

There is a forum you can join too and ask questions...there are many others who are afraid to fly and there are also pilots/flight attendants on there you can answer your questions and make you feel more at ease. Its at http://www.takingflight.us/forums/ ....its nice just to know you aren't the only one! Believe me, I'm terrified too but it won't stop me from going to Disney!

 

[arachal]

I understand your problem. I am the same way. I have to take XANAX when I fly. It does not put me to sleep (although some people say it does make them sleepy) and I can bear being on the flight.

XANAX works for me! Talk to your doctor. Good luck!

P.S. My DS is so scared of flying she would rather drive the 16 hours to Disney. We understand.

 

[jupers]

I'm assuming by the way you used wicked you're a Bostonian, am I right?...Welcome neighbor.

I hate it too. Go to your doctor. I take ativan. It's wonderful!!! Chills me out and puts me to sleep.

Little nervous about doing that with DD in June. SHe's never flown before, but DH can deal, I can't!

 

[Huff]

My wife used to be terrified of flying. Took quite a few trips and now the fun of traveling outweighs any fears she had before.

One thing that really helped was buying a portable DVD player. We now watch a movie when the plane has no in flight movie. Keeps her mind off the trip and makes it more enjoyable.

For me the scariest part is when we land and have to get in a car and drive among way too many people that shouldnt be on the road!

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

http://www.anxieties.com/flying-howsafe.php

 

[fla4fun]

First of all, please don't take any meds that put you to sleep. Relaxing is one thing, but it's important that you can be awakened, if only to get off the plane in Orlando!

Second, can you narrow down why you are afraid? I hadn't flown anywhere for 25 years when I had the opportunity for a once in a lifetime trip to London. Of course, I had to fly, and I was nervous. I realized it was because there were so many unknowns, so I tried to find out everything I could about flying, what the noises mean, what it means when you feel different things on the plane, what to expect during different portions of the flight. I watched videos online from the cockpit of landings and take offs, especially on a website called fromthecockpit (there's also a tips for fearful flyers page). At the time, Airline was a really popular reality show, so I watched that as well, to get an idea of how the airports might have changed since my last flight. Being armed with knowledge made all the difference to me. I was still a little nervous on takeoff and landing, but I didn't need any meds (other than motion sickness pills). Since we were flying around the remnants of Hurricane Wilma, we had a ton of turbulence, but I knew what to expect and I was OK. If you can narrow down what your concerns are and try to work through them, maybe you won't be quite so nervous on the flight. Good luck!

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

I used to be the same way but after 14 trips to WDW, it has helped. I still look at all the passengers to make sure they don't look suspicious (like I could tell!!) but the excitement of going to WDW helps. If there is one little dip, I am nervous. But, it is still better than driving and being tired when you get there. It is a 2-hour flight and that is about my limit. Have a great trip!!!

 

[mabenoab]

"Wicked"?! Hello, New Englandah!

I too am afraid of flying, but love to travel so here are some of my favorite tricks.

An MP3 player with at least two playlists (one relaxing & calming; one rockin'). Choose which playlist best suits your mood when you're on the plane. Block the world out.

When you're listening to your music and you are convinced that you are in danger...just look at the faces around you. They'll be smiling, relaxed and comfortable. Be reassured by those expressions.

NyQuil really helps.

Breathe. Sounds silly, but don't forget to do it.

Aisle or middle seat...not the window seat.

Sleep the night before: do not stay up all night thinking you'll just sleep on the plane...you need your rest.

No caffeine before your flight...you don't need the extra energy. Try decaf lavendar tea. Wear lavendar perfume (aromatherapy...lavendar is calming). Wear a good luck charm if that helps, too.

Do NOT watch news reports of plane crashes in foreign countries, or the tv show LOST before you go or movies about planes. You don't want to fixate.

Always book non stop flights...you might pay more, but its a whole lot easier on you. Give yourself lots of time at the airport...arrive earlier than you think you need to. Organize all your tickets and have everything you need available to you quickly (tip for porters, for instance). Know what you can and can not take on the plane. Dress comfortably and in layers. Sit next to someone who is not afraid.

Remember: doing something even though you are afraid to do it means you are brave!! Have a wonderful time on your trip!!

Beth

 

[TheDisneyClan]

Well no fear of flying here. In fact we love it. DH is licensed pilot. (Not as a job, but rather for fun.)

But if you like statistics then you should feel better about flying than driving. The chances of getting into a very serious or fatal Auto accident is less than 1 in 8.

In order for the chances of an plane crash to catch up with you, you would need to fly once a day for 8,000 years.

Relax.. You are so much safer up there.

I would not use drugs to relax, though. One, even minor, bad reaction could ruin your whole trip. Bring along a portable DVD player and your favorite movie. Your flight will be over before you know it.

 

[pawn626]

"Wicked"?! Hello, New Englandah!

I too am afraid of flying, but love to travel so here are some of my favorite tricks.

An MP3 player with at least two playlists (one relaxing & calming; one rockin'). Choose which playlist best suits your mood when you're on the plane. Block the world out.

When you're listening to your music and you are convinced that you are in danger...just look at the faces around you. They'll be smiling, relaxed and comfortable. Be reassured by those expressions.

NyQuil really helps.

Breathe. Sounds silly, but don't forget to do it.

Aisle or middle seat...not the window seat.

Sleep the night before: do not stay up all night thinking you'll just sleep on the plane...you need your rest.

No caffeine before your flight...you don't need the extra energy. Try decaf lavendar tea. Wear lavendar perfume (aromatherapy...lavendar is calming). Wear a good luck charm if that helps, too.

Do NOT watch news reports of plane crashes in foreign countries, or the tv show LOST before you go or movies about planes. You don't want to fixate.

Always book non stop flights...you might pay more, but its a whole lot easier on you. Give yourself lots of time at the airport...arrive earlier than you think you need to. Organize all your tickets and have everything you need available to you quickly (tip for porters, for instance). Know what you can and can not take on the plane. Dress comfortably and in layers. Sit next to someone who is not afraid.

Remember: doing something even though you are afraid to do it means you are brave!! Have a wonderful time on your trip!!

Beth

ACTUALLY RHODE ISLAND, HELLO NEIGHBOR? THANKS FOR THE ADVICE, HOPEFULLY IT WILL HELP. THIS IS MY 2ND TIME FLYING AND REALLY DID NOT CARE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

My DH is a pilot by profession. He's been flying since he was 16 years old, as have most pilots. He will tell you that statistically, flying is safer than driving. They are extensively trained in the event of an emergency.

Just sit back, relax and have a beer! Or two!

 

[michamato]

I am also afraid to fly. I make our trip from Boston to Orlando once a year, I get very nervous, especially flying with 3 little kids.
It is very scary, but I take an ativan, 1/2 an hour before I fly, and 1/2 on the plane before takeoff. It works wonders, and you still feel totally fine, just not as anxious. My doctor prescribes it to me everytime I fly.
I recently had to leave last week with no notice for a flight for a death in the family in CA. I was alone with my mom and very nervous. I took my meds and I was fine, and that was a 6 hour flight.
It is one of those things that you just have to do what you need to do to get you through it. I am very afraid, but I can't let it stop me from living my life. I loved my cousin who passed away very much, I had to go and say goodbye, as scared as I was, I just had to do it.
I also agree with prior posts that say to track the flights. It makes it easier to know that the flight comes in and out at a certain time everyday.
Good luck!!!!!

 

[Ragetti]

You've heard it all before, but here it is again:

Airline accidents seem so spectacular because the deaths happen all at once. But remember: when was the last time there was a major airline accident in the U.S.? Now, when was the last time you heard about a major highway pile-up?

Yup... the old adage is true: you are MUCH safer in a commercial airliner than in your car. It's true! Embrace it! Take a tranquilizer! Good luck!

 

[Lisa Hale]

Been there, done that, will be doing it again! I can't stand flying! I get air sick (not so bad when I take dramamine, but still "feel" queasy), my ears hurt and it takes forever to get them to pop and relieve the pressure, I dislike the smell of the air (canned and recirculated - ugh), and I replay every horrible thing I've ever heard about flying for days before we go.

Now, I've already booked our flights for this year, too! For us it's only a little more than 2 hours flight time. I have learned some tips/tricks that do help. Let's face it, I will never LOVE flying. I appreciate the convenience of it, I love that we have so much more time "at" WDW instead of spending 18 hours and a night in a hotel along the way there and back. I only fly direct flights, never flights with an extra leg - the extra taking off and landing is way too stressful! I don't take meds (other than the dramamine, I have tried the bracelets that are supposed to help, but they didn't). I don't believe in taking sleeping meds, cough syrups, etc. to relax me for the trip. I have to be alert to take care of my kids. BINGO, therein lies the biggest help for me...I had to stop spending so much time on my own insecurities and focus on helping my kids have positive experiences so that they don't have these issues when they grow up.

I seriously spent so much time worrying about me...me, me, me. It hit me one year that I was really being selfish about it. I'm the mom and I was teaching my kids how to be insecure and was focusing on myself and leaving everything else on DH. How fair was that? So, now I try to focus on making sure I have things for the kids...snacks, water (purchased beyond security so we can bring it with us), games, toys, etc. I do tell the kids that it's hard for me to fly and that sometimes I need to close my eyes for a few minutes, but I follow it up by pointing out how much daddy likes to fly and that I hope they do to. When I don't focus so much on my fear and how I feel about it, it's much easier. I still don't like it, but it's do-able.

I don't know if this makes any sense or not, but it really can be mind over matter (to a point). Take what precautions you can, wear shoes that can slip off (helps circulation), wear comfy clothing & bring a cushion/pillow with you, take dramamine (if you need it), drink lots of fluids, get rest and try, try, try to focus on other things. Oh, and a bonus is that if I fly 2 hours, I can save driving 18 hours and then I get 2 extra days in the parks - YIPPEE!

Good luck, I'll be another white-knuckled, nervous flyer trying to cope the best I can. BTW, it really is safer than driving, but fear doesn't have to be logical to exist. Hang in there!