How do you recover after a bad flight?

[Kmedders]

This is a bit random for this thread, but I am legitimately looking for advice. I have a fear of flying in general, but usually just take some Xanax and try to practice breathing techniques on flights. However I flew from Charleston to Dallas yesterday and our plane hit some significant turbulence. It was so rough that our times were flying into the air, the nose of the plane angled down, and people began screaming. It was awful. I know that turbulence does not bring planes down, but when you are IN it, it is so scary for me. How do you recover from such a scary experience? I am supposed to fly into Orlando in September and I am questioning how I will do it. I really would love advice.

 

[OKW Lover]

How do you recover from such a scary experience?

get back on the horse. Seriously. Your experience was no doubt difficult for you. But it really seldom happens.

 

[Lynne G]

Yep, no reason to think it may happen again.

I’ve flown so many times over the years, only a very few flights I could tell you was oh my yikes flights.

I’m sorry you had a bad flight. But no one was hurt, and you landed without issue. That, you should think of it being a good flight at the end of the day.

Bring a book or load something on your phone so you can watch and or just listen with your headphones to get your mind off what could happen. I tend to bring my headphones and make sure my phone is fully charged, and watch the free shows SW usually allows to be viewed via their free internet. I also just relax and listen to my phone’s music. I have flights next month and in September too.

Go with a positive thought I will be okay, and it will be. Hugs.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

One technique that has worked for me in the past is simply close your eyes and imagine you are on a bus. Ever taken a long bus ride? There are plenty of bumps, dips, and moments being jostled. But nobody ever screams. So just sit back, shut your eyes, and imagine you are on a long bus ride somewhere. The bumps always pass

 

[Gitelfor]

There are some good tips in this article from Smarter Travel.

18 ideas to cope with fear of flying

Feel free to let the FAs know about your concerns. The flight attendants are there to help you have a safe and enjoyable flight experience.

 

[Kmedders]

There are some good tips in this article from Smarter Travel.

18 ideas to cope with fear of flying

Feel free to let the FAs know about your concerns. The flight attendants are there to help you have a safe and enjoyable flight experience.

Thank you - I will read through these. Unfortunately, the FAs on this flight were flat out hateful. Everyone was commenting about it. I told them I was afraid of flying and asked that they give me a thumbs up every once in a while to let me know everything was ok. One of them responded with "Well, it's going to be rough, but we should be fine." Really??? Another one said to a lady in the row in front of me "I'm tired of yelling at passengers, so just to whatever the hell you want." when she asked if she could go to the bathroom while the seatbelt sign was on. It was so bizarre. So I think that added to how awful this was. I intend on writing American to let them know about that.

 

[Kmedders]

Yep, no reason to think it may happen again.

I’ve flown so many times over the years, only a very few flights I could tell you was oh my yikes flights.

I’m sorry you had a bad flight. But no one was hurt, and you landed without issue. That, you should think of it being a good flight at the end of the day.

Bring a book or load something on your phone so you can watch and or just listen with your headphones to get your mind off what could happen. I tend to bring my headphones and make sure my phone is fully charged, and watch the free shows SW usually allows to be viewed via their free internet. I also just relax and listen to my phone’s music. I have flights next month and in September too.

Go with a positive thought I will be okay, and it will be. Hugs.

Thank you - I think I need to remind myself that statistically, I should not experience another flight that bad..

 

[DLgal]

Imagine that the plane is a boat instead and then turbulence isn't that scary. Essentially, flying is just like boating in rough seas. The air currents that cause turbulence are just like waves of water. Planes are designed to bend and flex and "ride the waves."

 

[RogueX]

Recommendation from my husband who is a pilot: close your eyes and try deep breathing exercises. Imagine you are in a calmer place. It actually helps a lot of people.

Audio books are a great distraction for many people, as are listening to music. I'd even say listening to a TV show or a movie can distract you and get you through the turbulence.

 

[disneyseniors]

This is a bit random for this thread, but I am legitimately looking for advice. I have a fear of flying in general, but usually just take some Xanax and try to practice breathing techniques on flights. However I flew from Charleston to Dallas yesterday and our plane hit some significant turbulence. It was so rough that our times were flying into the air, the nose of the plane angled down, and people began screaming. It was awful. I know that turbulence does not bring planes down, but when you are IN it, it is so scary for me. How do you recover from such a scary experience? I am supposed to fly into Orlando in September and I am questioning how I will do it. I really would love advice.

OP, I can certainly sympathize with you. I used to love flying until one time we hit terrible turbulence after a 12 hour delay in our flight. When we got to cruising altitude the announcement that it was okay to wander in the cabin never came. the flight attendants did not get up. There were No announcements at all, and then.........................we went into a nosedive! People were screaming and looking terrified. It seemed to last forever. My young kids were terrified and hid under their blankets for the rest of the flight. I really thought we were going to die. Since then I was terrified of flights and had to take medication and Yes, even a drink, and none of it helped.
It got so bad that I was sick physically for 2 weeks before any flight!
I finally went to a certified well known hypnotist who, with some difficulty, got me relaxed enough to work with me and cure me of this irritational fear. HOnestly, I have never been afraid of flying since. It's so wonderful to Not feel that paralyzing fear and to be able to fly like others.

I don't know if that is the answer for you, but it would be worth a try. I would do research and find a recommended hypnotist. Good Luck

 

[Kmedders]

OP, I can certainly sympathize with you. I used to love flying until one time we hit terrible turbulence after a 12 hour delay in our flight. When we got to cruising altitude the announcement that it was okay to wander in the cabin never came. the flight attendants did not get up. There were No announcements at all, and then.........................we went into a nosedive! People were screaming and looking terrified. It seemed to last forever. My young kids were terrified and hid under their blankets for the rest of the flight. I really thought we were going to die. Since then I was terrified of flights and had to take medication and Yes, even a drink, and none of it helped.
It got so bad that I was sick physically for 2 weeks before any flight!
I finally went to a certified well known hypnotist who, with some difficulty, got me relaxed enough to work with me and cure me of this irritational fear. HOnestly, I have never been afraid of flying since. It's so wonderful to Not feel that paralyzing fear and to be able to fly like others.

I don't know if that is the answer for you, but it would be worth a try. I would do research and find a recommended hypnotist. Good Luck

wow - that worked??? I am going to look into it. I've done therapy with a pilot, medicated, drank, tried breathing techniques... but I'm still always so scared.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Turbulence can shake the airplane pretty good, but I’m having a hard time with the “nose dive” stuff.

 

[jec6613]

Turbulence can shake the airplane pretty good, but I’m having a hard time with the “nose dive” stuff.

It usually isn't anything like that, it just feels like that. Rapid deceleration caused by turbulence can feel exactly like a nose dive - in fact, that's how they simulate it in the airline simulators (and motion simulator rides).

Besides a nice glass of bourbon that helps me care a lot less before a flight, I've found that having an artificial horizon on my phone can help in turbulence since it puts real numbers to how bad things are, and they're never as bad as they feel. Oh, and flying up front can help, it's smoother than the back so felt turbulence is less.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It usually isn't anything like that, it just feels like that. Rapid deceleration caused by turbulence can feel exactly like a nose dive - in fact, that's how they simulate it in the airline simulators (and motion simulator rides).

Besides a nice glass of bourbon that helps me care a lot less before a flight, I've found that having an artificial horizon on my phone can help in turbulence since it puts real numbers to how bad things are, and they're never as bad as they feel. Oh, and flying up front can help, it's smoother than the back so felt turbulence is less.

Indeed. I fly for the airlines, that’s why I asked.
But there is still no rapid deceleration with turbulence.
I’m a bit confused by your simulation example.
I think you mean they simulate slowing by slightly putting the nose down.
That said, turbulence will not really slow the airplane down to that extent. It will be a rough ride, but not to the extent you are referring.

 

[Frwinkley]

When a flight is smooth, I can fly forever. However, turbulence is a completely different story. I've taken Xanax for years before flights, but have managed to do the last 5 or 6 without any medication.

Two things that have helped me immensely--listening to music that I haven't heard in years. I load up my phone with tons of songs from my youth; music has such happy memories for me. I can never concentrate enough to read or even watch a movie.

The other thing that has helped significantly is noise cancelling headphones. I swear I could almost "hear" when turbulence was upon us before it actually happened. Now the silence is wonderful.

I always go with the odds too--what's the chances that you'd be on another really rough flight so soon after the last one.

 

[Kmedders]

Indeed. I fly for the airlines, that’s why I asked.
But there is still no rapid deceleration with turbulence.
I’m a bit confused by your simulation example.
I think you mean they simulate slowing by slightly putting the nose down.
That said, turbulence will not really slow the airplane down to that extent. It will be a rough ride, but not to the extent you are referring.

Are you a pilot? If so - I have questions but don’t want to bore you with them if you aren’t

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Are you a pilot? If so - I have questions but don’t want to bore you with them if you aren’t

Yes…

 

[Kmedders]

Yes…

As a pilot - is turbulence scary for you? Is it easy to safely navigate? Is turbulence like what I described common or do I have reason to believe I won’t encounter something that severe again?

 

[Farro]

Hey OP! I had a bad flight once too - not like yours, but everyone did cheer when we finally touched ground!

I had been taking Xanax before flights past few years and while I think it may help (I still feel a little fluttery) I think the brain fog I feel when we land kind of dampens my first day fun. Especially when going to Disney!

This upcoming flight (2.5 hrs Chicago to Orlando, about 2 hours 9 minutes in air) - I'm trying something different.
I bought one of those Mandala coloring books for adults and some colored pencils. Concentrating on those really helps.
I have my music. I will order one glass of wine if allowed (yes, at 7 in the morning ) and we'll see how it goes! I do have Xanax as back up, but I'm really hoping to get through without it.

Oh and I'm also taking a Bonine the night before - sometimes that keeps the nerves a bit at bay.

 

[Kmedders]

Hey OP! I had a bad flight once too - not like yours, but everyone did cheer when we finally touched ground!

I had been taking Xanax before flights past few years and while I think it may help (I still feel a little fluttery) I think the brain fog I feel when we land kind of dampens my first day fun. Especially when going to Disney!

This upcoming flight (2.5 hrs Chicago to Orlando, about 2 hours 9 minutes in air) - I'm trying something different.
I bought one of those Mandala coloring books for adults and some colored pencils. Concentrating on those really helps.
I have my music. I will order one glass of wine if allowed (yes, at 7 in the morning ) and we'll see how it goes! I do have Xanax as back up, but I'm really hoping to get through without it.

Oh and I'm also taking a Bonine the night before - sometimes that keeps the nerves a bit at bay.

That’s a great idea on the coloring - I may try that. Xanax doesn’t seem to do the trick for me anymore. I also worry that if I always medicate, I will never beat my fear.