i feel like i could cry

[princessjodiebo]

this is going to sound completely ridiculous but i nearly cancelled my holiday today as i really dont think i can fly !

i have flown regularly since i was 8 - nearly 25 years !!, yet after a really bad flight i really dont know if i can do this .
i have managed a flight to mexico and the dr gave me diazepam but they didnt do a thing
i am fine with take off and landing but its the turbulence that i just cant handle
i told myself that this is the holiday of a lifetime and that it will be worth it but more and more people are saying orlando is a horrible place to land at and that its really really bumpy
i could literally cry right now because i want to go more than anything but i am scared that i just wont be able to get on that plane

any advice much appreciated !!!

 

[skelfbsfb]

Sorry cannot give you any advice but would just like to wish you all the best.

 

[sandshal]

Dont worry to the best of my knowledge there is nothing unusual about the landing or airport in Orlando.

I sympathise and I'm a dreadful flyer and hate turbulance but there really is nothing different about the flight over the Atlantic .... you'll be fine.

I've flown many years and still panic every time but the results are soooo worth it xx

 

[Neoshoegal]

From one scared flyer (although other issues in my case) to another. Orlando is absolutely fine, been many times and it's always been very smooth. Don't see any reason why there should be an issues with Orlando.
I avoid flying whenever possible, and had a really bad experience just a few days ago which included kicking and screaming on my part (although the flight itself was ok). But it won't stop me completely, especially not from going on a trip of a lifetime.
Tell the airline in advance you are a nervous flyer, tell to make a note of it. Then tell them again at check in and at the gate. The staff tend to take good care of nervous flyers, so it all should be ok.

 

[l_mccafferty]

I'm the opposite of you, I hate take off and landing! We had really bad turbulence going to Spain this year and it was horrible.
I've never felt it as bad going to Florida!
Do you have anything that would distract you? ipod, book, DS, PSP
I know it doesn't really help a great deal but:

"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"

This is something I always try and remember. I'd get the diazepam again if you can, even if its just to calm you down a bit.
I don't remove my seatbelt on the flight unless I need to use the toilet, this means I'm not panicking to find and clip my belt whilst there's turbulence. I also cuddle up to DBF when any turbulence happens

HTH

 

[princessjodiebo]

i know one of the cabin crew who works for virgin who has promised me faithfully he will be on my flight and i have psp ds i pod and a load of books i got for smas that im not touching i just need to get over this fear !

its started to affect everyday life i hate car travel as well now and trains freak me too !

yet get me on space mountain and i wanna go again and again !!!


in mexico i locked myself in my hotel room and only the threat of mexican prison got me outta there lol

has anyone done a fear of flying course ??

 

[jen_uk]

I think this is an issue that you definetely need to address as its obviously starting to affect your everyday life. How about asking your doctor to refer you for cognitive behavioural therapy, there is usually a waiting list but this should help you with your fears. As for Orlando, I've never noticed that it is a bumpy landing

 

[fairytale]

I too am seriously scared of flying.

I believe my trigger was having children and been involved in an emergency landing back in 2003, stearing had broken thats all , or so the Pilot said

I believe strongly in "mind over matter" I recite the stats that a previous poster has already posted over and over again and I am also aware that I have more chance of been killed by a Donkey which does help

We are fortunate in been able to fly upgraded and this really does help me, the least time I have at check in etc the better. We flew out to Mexico later in 2003 and I could have cut my losses and come home after around an hour of been stood in economy check in with all random thoughts going through my mind.

Another good tip I can offer is the next time one of your favourite series are on TV, ie mine are Dexter, Damages, Desperate Housewives..dont watch them, tape them and then rip them on to a DVD through your PC or DVD Recorder. Then take a portable DVD recorder along with your favourite TV Series that youve taped. It helps me no end to watch something I really want to watch rather than picking a movie I've either seen or I'm not that bothered about watching in the first place

 

[silver apple]

I used to be absolutely terrified of flying, until I did the virgin fear of flying course a few years ago. It is well worth the money and I would highly recommend it. I can't say that I'll ever love flying, but I know that I can fly relatively calmly now.

 

[Kphoto]

Do not let this take over your life!!! Your brain can play tricks on you - take a valium if you have to and make sure you have someone to watch out for you. I had a similar experience & can sympathize, but if you give in to it it only gets worse. Good luck.

Karen

 

[2Tiggies]

Have you always been afraid of flying or is it something relatively recent? I only ask this as from little things you have posted on here over the months, I know you have had a lot to deal with over the past year or so and lots of changes. Add to the mix the sudden hype and expectations on yourself to "create" the perfect holiday and it's enough to tip even the most balanced person over the edge. Not really advice, but wondering if considering the forementioned may put a bit of perspective into it all.

Statistically flying is still the safest way to travel. As for turbulence, there is no way of telling when and how much, if any, you will experience on your flight. But that goes for any flight anywhere.

Would it help perhaps to break the flight into bite sized portions? Make a commitment to keeping yourself engrossed in something for say 60 or 90 minutes at a time. Don't look at the flight as one long 9 hour ordeal. Deal with each little segment as if it were the only one. Once the first block is over, don't think about how much time is left in total, but concentrate only on the next hour or so.

 

[smileyk8]

Hi there,

I hate flying too, but have recently found a website that send regular emails and explain all sorts of things from what turbulance really is to proper explanations of accidents that have happened and really putting things into perspective. It's www.fearofflying.com

The best thing i ever read was that planes don't mind turbulance, it's just like driving over ball bearings and humps in the road. It doesn't impact the plane or it's ability to fly. Anyway have a good read and there are all sorts of courses and downloadable tracks available.

Keep things in perspective, get the facts and learn some relaxation techniques! Good luck

 

[eeyorefanuk]

First of all

I know exactly how you feel.

For about five years I did not go abroad because of my fear of flying.

I decided that I did not want it to beat me, and went to the doctors.

I too take diazepan ............... it might be worth you going back to the doctors to get an increased doseage.

I take it an hour before I fly and then again in the flight.

When we booked to go last year it was our holiday of a lifetime, but like you I was petrified and I mean petrified of the length of the flight.

I also read about lots of turbulence on the flight to america and it worried me sick.

I can honestly say our flight over was so smooth it was untrue and on the way back we maybe had half an hour? Not enough to put our seat belts on though. (not that I take mine off , or drink, or eat, or get out of my seat).

I can promise you though once you get there it will be worth it.

I genuinely think go back to the doctor and explain the doseage did not help or maybe do as I do and take hour before you board and again on the flight.

PS I tried hypnotism and it did not work I did think of paying for the hypnotist to go on holiday with me to sit by me on the flight

PPS I used to try and hide it (which is mad thing to do considering I get in such a state) now I make sure I tell the crew, make sure I have pre booked my seats and know where I am sitting etc. I am like you I do not like trains/euro star much but again I pre book my seats near to a "inbetween carriage" area, at the back of the train etc.

 

[~Piglet~]

I know how you feel - I could easily have cancelled our holiday earlier this year too, the main reason I couldn't was because we were getting married and had guests flying out as well!

Even though I had read all the statistics, the fear and anxiety took over as soon as we were at the airport. Try Here I think Wayne posted it a while back. Whilst it won't 'cure' you it does explain rationally certain aspects of flying.

Last time I flew from Orlando we had terrible turbulence, I was taking Diazepam regularly (with no effect!). I did put on my ipod and had the volume up loud to drown out the engine noise, which did help the time go a bit faster, but TBH I think when your fear is that bad nothing really works as all your logical thinking disappears, and you just have to get through it as best you can

It's a horrible feeling to endure, but try to focus on what a lovely holiday you will have when you arrive

PS - I have landed twice at MCO and not noticed it being particularly bumpy

PPS - coming down in thick fog this May into Manchester I didn't even feel the plane landing, my best ever landing!!

 

[princessjodiebo]

i read all your replies and i feel a mixture of relief that its not just me and annoyance *** i just hate feeling like this !

2 tiggies - i had a dreadful landing in the canaries and on the way we dropped nearly 200ft *** of turbulence - i think its because i was with the children on our first family holiday with my now husband that it freaked me totally !

on the way home it was slightly smoother but coming into land we ended up on one wheel because of the wind

will look into the fear of flying course - i have heard such good things about it

will keep you posted - i intend on taking a notebook with me so i can make a start on my trip report on the plane lol !

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

I like Stugeron - although it is for sickness rather than fear I find it makes me so sleepy I just doze the whole way.

Also I like the notebook idea - I used to like writing my Wallmart list on the plane before I was busy sleeping!!

 

[T16GEM]

I am also scared of flying, not so much that I will let it stop me from going on a plane, but I too have been worse since having the kids, I always sit on the tarmac just as we are about to take off and worry that it wasn't their choice to get on the plane and if anything were to happen then it would be my fault as I booked it etc etc. Totally irrational!

We also flew on the day the war started March 20th 2003, I was petrified, we sat in the airport bar watching the news reporters in gas masks and then they elavated the threat level to the US to the highest - I don't drink but that day I had 2 pints at 8am!

I try to think that it's only 8 hours and it will be great when we get there - the site mentioned ealier about turbulance and plane noises is also a great help. Please don't let it stop you enjoying your holidays, you will have a fab time!!!

 

[smileyk8]

2 tiggies - i had a dreadful landing in the canaries and on the way we dropped nearly 200ft *** of turbulence - i think its because i was with the children on our first family holiday with my now husband that it freaked me totally !

This happened to me on one of our flights and the pilot handled it wonderfully. he came straight onto the speaker and explained that it was an air lock between different amounts of pressure. He said it was not an issue and to imagine it's like when you go over a little hump back bridge- the road's still there and you're still propelling forward it's just that you can't see the bridge. My comment- 'blinking BIG hump back bridge!' still it calmed me down very quickly.

technically I have no idea if this is right, but my uncle is a pilot and he liked the explanation.

You get more panicked once you have children with you as those protective instincts set in. Remember you're safe and absolutely get started on that diary. The worst thing you can do is sit still because every tiny movement is exaggerated if you sit waiting for them. Try it in a car- sit with your eyes shut and focus on how much you shift around. This movement is significantly more. In fact as you're heading to WDW imagine you're on BTMRR and how many ups and downs and hard turns that has. Turbulance is just like a bump on the track.

Good luck

 

[chocomochamouse]

Another one who knows EXACTLY how you feel, you are definitely not alone!

My Doc gives me diazapam, usually need 1 1/2 to 2 tablets to have any effect, along with a couple of vodkas. DH takes care of DD13 and DS8 and I just concentrate on not embarrassing myself too much by bawling

We have got several flights booked for next year, including Florida, because I refuse to let my fear win. If it does, it affects the rest of my family and I don't want that. So, I take a deep breath and cross all my fingers and toes!

If I had £1 for every time I have said I am not flying again, I would be very rich

Good luck and go for it!

 

[arielrocks]

Know how you feel, I used to feel the same, but the flying without fear course helped
Me so much! Expensive for sure but would pay treble again if I needed to!!