umaangel00 said:
My DH wants to fly to Disney in March. I have never been on an airplane and unless I was drugged out of my mind, I don't ever want to get on one. We would be leaving from Grand Rapids, MI. It would be DRASTICALLY faster. It's normally a 24 hour drive down there. How do I get over my fear of flying? I am really scared of everything about it too. From taking off to landing, turbulence and of course: CRASHING! Help!
Okay, well first of all, I agree with others that you should go to your doctor and get a prescription for xanax. I wouldn't suggest alcohol because it can potentially make you queasy, give you a headache...dehydrate you. I'd to with xanax. And keep in mind that you're best off flying in the evening. You won't be able to see anything and that will make you feel a whole lot better. And after taking a xanax and the stress of your first flight, you'll want to arrive at your hotel and just go to sleep, so don't make any big plans for a morning flight followed by a day in the parks. I also agree with those who say to sit in the front of the plane. It's a lot noisier in the back of the plane and that can be somewhat frightening to first time fliers.
Also, sit with your SO and have him hold your hand and explain every single nuance of the flight. As with most fears, you're mostly afraid of the unknown. Once you know that after taking off the pilot may pull back on the throttle, you're no longer afraid of it. Once you know that upon approach to landing that you'll hear the landing gear come down, you'll know it's okay.
Look around at others on your flight....especially people traveling alone with their laptops open. Those are your business fliers...and they probably fly all the time. Look at their reaction during turbulence. You'll see that they don't even flinch......why? Because it's totally normal and to be expected on some flights. Bring your walkman or Ipod and play some soothing music. You'll be zonked from the xanax...you may actually take a nap! Watch the movie on the flight....that's a great way to take your mind off things.
And to make you feel even better....take a look at these odds....
"Your chances of being involved in an aircraft accident are about 1 in 11 million. On the other hand, your chances of being killed in an automobile accident are 1 in 5000. Statistically, you are at far greater risk driving to the airport than getting on an airplane. However, the perception is that you have more control over your fate when you are in your car than as a passenger. Experience shows otherwise considering that over 50,000 people are killed on the highways every year. Media coverage would suggest that such events happen daily. Studies have shown one would have to fly once a day every day for over 15,000 years in order to statistically be involved in an aircraft accident! "
Hope this helps!
