Fearful Flyer here--Thinking of Flying to WDW

[maddiesmommy2005]

Well, the title says it all! LOL!

I have never been on an airplane, and I told my DH that I'd never do it. We are going to WDW next year, along with my sister and her family. They are definitely flying. My DH and children want to also, as it will take us about 15 hrs to drive down, vs. the 2 hr flight. My sis really would like us to fly down too, but I'm so terrified.

I know in my head, that it's safer.
I know that it's quicker.
The price, for the flight, would probably be about the same as if we rented a car, had to get a hotel on the way down, cost of gas, food, etc.

But I'm still scared!!

Anyone else gone or going through this too? Please tell me it's going to be alright! Ease my mind.

I have a feeling, I will do it. I start to get anxiety attacks just thinking about it, lol, I know that sounds ridiculous, but really it's just such a scary thing for me.

Any advice... or nurturing is appreciated...lol

 

[goofyboyzmom]

Hi.

I do not like to fly but the thought of 20+ hours in a car gets me on a plane. In Oct. 2005 we took my sister and her family with us to WDW and she and her husband were absolutely terrified to fly (both of them!!!) Their kids loved it! Anyways, they went to their family doctor and he gave them 4 Valiums, one each for the way down and one each for the way back. That and 1 drink on the plane each and they were absolutely fine. Now I am not saying take pills and drink, but a lot of people in the airport were actually talking about it that morning.

Good luck. Flying starts your vacation out on such a nicer note, because nobody is tired from all that driving and you can get started!!!

 

[maddiesmommy2005]

Hi.

I do not like to fly but the thought of 20+ hours in a car gets me on a plane. In Oct. 2005 we took my sister and her family with us to WDW and she and her husband were absolutely terrified to fly (both of them!!!) Their kids loved it! Anyways, they went to their family doctor and he gave them 4 Valiums, one each for the way down and one each for the way back. That and 1 drink on the plane each and they were absolutely fine. Now I am not saying take pills and drink, but a lot of people in the airport were actually talking about it that morning.

Good luck. Flying starts your vacation out on such a nicer note, because nobody is tired from all that driving and you can get started!!!

Thanks for responding so quickly!

My mom and sister both suggested taking valium too. Approximately how long does it take to kick in? Do you have to wait to take them on the plane? They won't let you on if you are groggy or drunk looking right? LOL! Sorry if that's a dumb question, lol. I'm new to all of this, and have never taken valium before.

 

[reelmom]

I have a fear of flying also. I talked to my doctor and he gave me some pills that relax me. Your doctor can tell you when to take them and when they will start to work. As far as letting you on the plane, if they let my family on, anybody could get on. My FIL, BIL, SIL and myself were all on pills. They were asleep before the plane took off and I rested after a brief laughing spell(the doctor forgot to warn me that I could have a reaction like that) My DH and MIL were taking pictures of us all out of it. Quite a memorable experience. I would say go for it. It is a lot faster and you will be so proud of yourself afterwards.

 

[GottaGetToDisney!]

I say go for it, also! I am a terrible flyer! So much so, that I nearly kiss the ground in relief when we've landed. I have to force myself to look calm and relaxed in front of my kids so that I don't transfer my fears on to them (they love to fly!). But, 20 hours of driving or 2 hours of flying? I'll just say my prayers and do the flying! It really does get a little bit easier every time you fly, though. Now that I've been able to withstand a 7 hour flight to Scotland and many many flights to Florida it's not nearly as nerve-wracking as the first time!

Gotta Get To Disney!

 

[storzo]

I fly just about every year for vacation and I still get scared. I don't particularly like to fly, but as the other poster said 20 hours in a car vs. 2 in a plane...the choice is clear. For me, taking off is the worst part and as soon as I see the flight attendants get up I know I'll be okay. I don't look out of the windows until take off is over, the banking drives me crazy. If it's a later flight, I like to have a drink before boarding.

Chew gum and bring a book or something to busy your mind.

My mother didn't fly until she was in her 50s and then wouldn't travel any other way.

I hope this helps.

 

[NU2WDW]

My very first time on a plane was flying to Florida and it was about a 2-1/2 hour flight. It was a good first experience as it wasn't too long but long enough to sort of "acclimate" myself to the experience. My biggest worry was that I would freak out about being up high because I have a fear of heights -- even standing on a ladder makes me queasy! Interestingly enough, I never really had any sensation of the height at all, and never have any other time I've flown. That said, I can't say I'm crazy about flying even now, almost 20 years later. It's a control thing for me, definitely.

Invest in a good set of headphones and play music the whole trip, that can help. Read up about the different sounds and sensations of flying so you know what to expect -- once you realize that clunking sound is just the landing gear being raised, it's not quite so scary.



p.s. My grandmother was terrified of flying and finally did it when she was about 80 years old -- spent the last 10 years of her life bemoaning the fact that she never went anywhere because of "nothing"! I often think of that whenever I get nervous of flying and hope I never let myself get paralyzed by an irrational worry.

 

[becky_AK]

My mom is terrified of flying and since she loves WDW so much she has no other choice to fly there since we live on the West Coast and driving is out of the question. She talked to her doctor about it and he gave her some valium I think. It helps her to relax and calm her nerves. I know that flying is scary for many people, but just remember that it is safe and it'll save you so much time driving and that is more time you'll be able to spend with your family at WDW enjoying yourselves. Good luck & you'll have an awesome trip

 

[dsnymomof4]

I actually enjoy flying, although I still get nervous. I try to think of the statistics about how much safer flying is than driving. And when I'm at the airport I look at all of the people who are traveling and all of the planes coming in and going out and all of the flight attendants and pilots who fly several times a day, every day. There are so many flights going on every single day. For you, it's big, but for them, it's routine. So try to relax. Enjoy the view. Think about how you'll be starting your vacation in a few hours!

 

[Princess-Less]

Check out www.takingflight.us Very helpful 'fear of flying" website. We have driven to Disney with the kids twice and we are flying this April, first time flying for the kids. It is statistically the safest way to get there (and the quickest!). You can explain your apprehension about flying to your MD, who should be able to give you a mild anti-anxiety agent (Xanax, Ativan are a few). You'll have a great trip, go for it!

 

[jennifer03878]

I hate flying but I su@ked it up last year to go to WDW and I'll be doing it again in less then 3 weeks. To deal I won't sit on a window seat (luckily my DH and DS9 love the window seat) and I bring my MP3 and I will wear my sunglasses until we are up in the air. I'm more nervous about the take offs and landings. This is why I always go Non-Stop, even if it costs more. Take off once and land once

Just keep reminding yourself that the flight gets you to the Happiest Place on Earth.. That helps

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I second the previous poster about www.takingflight.us - they have a very active message board over there too at www.takingflight.us/forums .

LOTS of great info and helpful people on that site (several DISers over there too!) - even a few commercial airline pilots that will be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease about flying. They don't sell anything (some sites want you to buy $600 DVDs to be "cured" of your fear - those don't work!) but they do recommend a free online course and an inexpensive help book ($10) available on Amazon. Here is the link for the book: http://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Cap...0451957?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173719125&sr=8-2

I have that book and have read it cover to cover. It does a great job explaining the noises and sensations you feel during flight and WHY planes are able to fly.


Good luck - I would rather fly then drive ANY day!

 

[FancyBrat]

I'd go for it. I know fear is tough but if you let that get to you it stops you from enjoying so much. I fly all the time and it is safe. Go for it! Cheering you on!

 

[goofyboyzmom]

Thanks for responding so quickly!

My mom and sister both suggested taking valium too. Approximately how long does it take to kick in? Do you have to wait to take them on the plane? They won't let you on if you are groggy or drunk looking right? LOL! Sorry if that's a dumb question, lol. I'm new to all of this, and have never taken valium before.

They took it about 1 hour before flight time with a breakfast sandwich in the airport (don't take without food if you have never taken it before). You would never have known anything. They acted completely normal. Never slept on the plane, just read. They did not have window seats either!

 

[rewok]

I second asking your doctor for Valium or Ativan to take before flying. While I'm not scared to fly, I HATE needles, surgery, blood..., and when I went for wisdom teeth removal, the doctor took one look at me shaking on the chair, gave me the little Ativan pill, and when he came back 20 minutes later I was relaxed on the chair, magic! Valium are stronger I think, I got one before my laser eye surgery, and again it worked wonders! After flying this once "under influence", you'd probably be less apprehensive for your next flight, heck now I can go for blood test all by myself!

 

[MeetingMickeyin2006]

I used to be this way! I've never flown before, but I'm no longer scared. I read everything I could about flying, airplanes, airports, etc. My hubby took me to the airport so that I could watch the planes take off and land. I even found comfort in watching shows like Airline, which was a reality show about Southwest. Do some research! Knowledge is power! Good luck!

 

[annie1995]

I used to swear I would never fly. I was so scared. But when it was the only way to do a Disney trip, I forced myself too, now it's the only way I want to travel. I can make it to Disney on a non stop flight in under 3 hours, compared to 24 hours driving. Totally worth it! Good Luck I'm sure you will love it too!

 

[PaMom001]

Also, while in flight, look at the flight attendants. If they appear calm, cool, and collected, then everything is ok. Don't worry unless they appear worried. Also, let them know that you are a first time flyer. That way, if you feel uncomfortable, they can help you calm down.

And you're closer to

 

[dsnydrmn]

I'm more nervous about the take offs and landings. This is why I always go Non-Stop, even if it costs more. Take off once and land once

Just keep reminding yourself that the flight gets you to the Happiest Place on Earth.. That helps

My thoughts exactly!! I just booked my non-stop flight for Nov

 

[sewer]

I had been involved in avation for years, and was around aircraft since I was a baby. I have to tell you that it's more dangerous to take a bath than to fly, and I'm sure you don't think too much about bathing. So treat flying the same way, and you'll be OK.