How do I convince wife?

[diaman]

My wife has always had a fear of flying since we had a bad experience flying from Cancun back home (Plane had engine problems and smoke was coming from one of the engines and we had to turn back to Mexico flying at only 10-15,000 feet). In any case, she sort of got back into the swing of things and was more relaxed flying in the past year, of course untill this hideous crime was commited. Now, I tried to explain to her the safety measures that are taken. But with the motherly instincts, she refuses to fly. Now, she has me booked on the Auto Train. I HATE the train! All the noise and rocking motions.. I can never get to sleep. We've taken it in the past and I always hated it. I've even considered to drive to WDW. Does anyone know how long it takes to get there from the Harrisburg, PA area? We will be there for Thanksgiving.

I DO NOT want the terrorist to win in this aspect, but what can I do? I have taken flight 77 from Dulles to LA a couple times a year since we have part of our business in LA. And I am leaving in Oct again. I don't really have a problem with it, but I guarentee you that the thoughts will be in my mind. Especially the farewell messages from the passengers to their love ones, that's what really hits home.

God bless America and keep us all safe!

 

[MinnieMe2]

I can understand how your wife feels. I, too, have always had a fear of flying, but in the past few years, with more flying time being forced upon me, I pretty much got over it. Now DH and I had been planning a trip to San Diego in Feb. for his conference, but I'm inclined to think I'll skip it. Then again, if we're not at war and airport security is tightened, maybe I'll go. As far as the train, you might point out to your wife that just this morning an Amtrak passenger train collided with a freight train in Utah. Nothing is totally safe.....

 

[robinb]

Now, I tried to explain to her the safety measures that are taken. But with the motherly instincts, she refuses to fly.

I think that you should not press her to fly right now. You cannot rationalize with someone who has an irrational fear of something. Maybe in a few weeks she'll come around to flying again. Maybe you'll be taking the train . FWIW, it's about 1000 miles from Harrisburg, PA which will take 2 days of driving from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Good luck in getting to WDW. No matter how you get there, you'll have a great time.

 

[mickey4ver]

We are located about 2 hours south of Harrisburg, PA. We can make it to WDW in the car at around 14 to 16 hours, with minimal stopping (gas, lunch snacks, restroom breaks), and no traffic hold-ups, so if you pushed you could do it in most likely 18 to 20 hours of driving. It depends on your tolerance of driving long distances or not without a lot of stops. You could also drive a good portion the 1st day, spend the night on the road and leave a few hours for the final day.

 

[NicoleLauren]

The drive for me is about 20 hours and I'm about 1 hour north of Harrisburg. I've driven in the past (before becoming a mother) and the drive was not too bad. We are scheduled to leave in 9 days and are still unsure of what to do. If we cannot fly, we will probably not go. My very restless 4 year old cannot stand being in the car that long. And honestly, I don't know if I have it in me to enjoy the vacation after the recent events.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Fact is that flying is far safer (statistically) than driving. Driving around DC and Va.on I-95 and the Capitol Beltway is one of the most risky things I ever do!! But saying so probably won't convince your wife. Consider this-we used to drive straight thru from Baltimore, and did it in about 15 hours. In the 2 hours it takes to fly from BWI to Orlando, you're only at Fredricksburg Va.in your car, with your nerves on edge from just getting around baltimore and DC.