fear of flying!!!!

[youngaussienurse]

My twin and I are flying from Australia to Orlando on Oct 30th and we can't wait!!! The only thing is that I am TERRIFIED of flying. We went to Disneyland last year with Air New Zealand and the flight was good....I just hated the feeling of taking off and when the plane starts to descend for landing. I am more scared this time because I know I didn't like the feeling last time. I really don't know how I am going to get on the plane for a 20 hr flight We are also flying with United which I am a bit worried about as I would prefer to fly an Australian airline.....(Was going with Qantas, but UA was about $1500 cheaper!!) And I have read bad reports about United, so now I am worried if I have made the right decision?? Any suggestions for my fear of flying? Thanks heaps!!

 

[cbrfan]

Xanax. This medication has worked for numerous people on these boards. Schedule a visit with your dr. and see if he can prescribe this anti-anxiety medication for you. If you do get it, I would suggest trying it a few days before leaving to see how you'll react. Some people just have the anxiety subside, some people go out like a light! Personally, it just alleviated the anxiety for me.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Many people are also afraid to fly. Remember it is safer statistically than driving.

My trick is to watch the flight attendents carry out their duties in their merry way without a care in the world - just another "day in the office" to them. If they're fine, I'm fine. If they start to panic then I figure we're in trouble, LOL. So take your cues from them and try to relax. It wouldn't hurt to try the xanax (or a similar benzodiazepene - check with your doctor), but that doesn't work for me unfortunately.

Best of luck from a Mom of twins and a nurse like you also!!!

 

[inkkognito]

Visit www.fearofflyinghelp.com
It has helped me tremendously!
Barb

 

[goofytime2000]

Remember it is safer statistically than driving.

Seeing's how she is flying from NEW ZEALAND it is much safer to fly than drive! I don't know about your car, but mine doesn't handle driving in the ocean too well.

As to the original post of fear of flying, I don't know what to tell you. Yes, take off and landing are the roughest part of any flight. Many on this board swear my Xanax, others by alcohol. Personally I am a adrenaline junkie, as well as an semi aviation buff, so I love to fly. I've heard that studying how the plane works can be comforting (that way when you look out the window and see the wing change shape after take-off/before landing you know it's supposed to do that). I think you're biggest problem is that you just need to relax. If you need some artifical means to do, go for it. It's been my expereince that with any service based company (airlines in this case) it is hit or miss whether you have a good experience. Have you ever been to your favorite resaurant and had lousy service?? Do you still go back there?

 

[happybratpack]

I am also terrified of flying. My May trip will be my first flight since 2001 and I have been dreading it. I use Xanax and also Phenegren (sp) because my stomach gets sick when I have an anxiety/panic attack. I have been fine once I take these and get on the plane, but the weeks before I drive myself nuts trying to get the nerve up.

I don't know if you have something like this, but at DFW Airport there is an observation area that is really close to the runways. Kind of a little park...they have transmission of the towers there so you can hear what is going on. I have been going over there every so often and sitting for a while watching the planes take off and land. This has helped me become a little calmer to watch the sheer number of planes coming in and leaving...I watch them landing and am amazed about how exact each one is to the one before. I guess it sounds silly, but it's helped calm me a bit about the upcoming flight.

I've also been using the http://fearofflyinghelp.com/ site, it's been very helpful.

Good luck and I hope you have a great flight.

 

[MamaQuack]

While my dh and I have absolutely no fear of flying our ds(13) did develop a fear after 9-11. Our m.d. put him on xanax and it worked miracles! We had taken 10 flights using it and last month we were to fly to San Juan from Atlanta - about 3 1/2 hours - he told us he wanted to try flying without it - and much to our amazement he did!!!!! He said the xanax had helped him realize it was safe and now he is back to normal! Good luck and try to think of all the fun you will have once you arrive

 

[janice1234]

i also have a fear of flying, a couple of coctails works for me, i do not know if you are old enough to drink. that is a long flight, hopefully you can get a lot of zzzs in. and like everyone else has mentioned just think of aal the fun once you get there. you can do it. have fun.

 

[NjRon]

I second the advice on Xanax. I never leave the Earth without it.

 

[inkkognito]

With Xanax, you need to see how it will affect you first. My brother gave me some (I know, I know, handing out drugs is bad, but if you were a fellow passenger on a bad flight with me, you'd shove the pills down my throat yourself). I only need something when it's very turbulent; otherwise I am okay. My brother is much taller than me, but the standard dose for him did nothing for me. I had to double it up, and that renders me semi-conscious. It's a good way to fly, since I get a nice nap, but I can't do that when I'm traveling alone.
Barb

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Seeing's how she is flying from NEW ZEALAND it is much safer to fly than drive! I don't know about your car, but mine doesn't handle driving in the ocean too well.

 

[dreams91]

I second the advice on Xanax. I never leave the Earth without it.

Totally agree!!!

 

[JimFitz]

Zanax works. You can also take it before Space Mountain and have a blast!!! Ooopss!!! Did I just say that!???

Im only kidding of course, but get the Xanax.

 

[spiceycat]

I don't like drugs.

I haven't flown since 1999 - forget 2001....

but the prices are great - Delta for $101 - it cost me $97 in gas to drive my car last time - okay some of it was in Orlando - SW, IOA, and all the great outlet malls - but still with the price increase - it is probably costing me less to fly.

especially with WDW picking up at the airport.

so I am flying!

I am bringing my tape player, a good book (not necessary a new one) - just one I know I can get lost in, and my DVD player.

that should help!

my problem is also the take out and landing - you can't be doing anything when these happen - but a really good book will help my mind accept the act that I am not in control....

and yes it is safer than driving. but I can control, on the whole, when I drive - when you fly - it is up to a stranger.

 

[bengalbelle]

I don't have anything new to add, just to let you know I totally understand your fear and anxiety and wish you a pleasant flight.

Seeing's how she is flying from NEW ZEALAND it is much safer to fly than drive! I don't know about your car, but mine doesn't handle driving in the ocean too well.

Somehow I don't think that's quite what she had in mind .