It just hit me that I'm terrified of flying

[EsmeraldaX]

Sorry to post this here, but I'm leaving in about 4 hours and will not have access to a computer after that.

I am reading www.fearofflying.com and it's just not helping. I have some Paxil and I can always drink some wine I guess, but I am just horrified of flying. I understand the mechanics of flight and I know flying is the safest form of travel.

I just keep thinking what if I'm on the one in a million that malfunctions? If my car malfucions and crashes, I'll probably survive. If the plane does, I'm a goner.

I also know this is terrible but if some guy in a turban gets on and pulls out a copy of the Koran, I AM going to freak out. I know 99.9% of the Muslim/Middle Eastern people are nice and it's only the radical freaks who want to blow us up; but I can't get this fear out of my head. Likewise, if some sketchy looking white guy gets on the plane and starts acting odd I'm going to freak. I have walked off of planes in the past because I was afraid of other passengers.

I keep thinking about all the security lapses and how they don't screen everyone 100%. I think about how easy it is to get a bomb into a checked bag, and how they have plastic explosives that don't even register on the Xrays.

My SO is really looking forward to flying (my parents got us first class tickets) and I am just terrified.

Can anyone please help me? I'm starting to think I might not be able to do this

 

[safetymom]

Relax, breath deep, and enjoy the ride. Planes take off and land every day. There are others that aren't comfortable but just think it will only be a couple of hours and you will be in the magical lands of WDW.

I am sure you will do fine.

 

[Stiff]

I say just "medicate" yourself and you wont care so much

Im fairly sure you have a better chance of getting stuck by lightening than have anything go wrong on a plane

I dont care for it either, but it is what it is.....cant spend your whole life in fear...what kind of life would that be?

you will be fine....enjoy disney

could be worse, you could have 99 more days to go like me

 

[Fromeurope]

Dear Esmeralda,
I went to WDW this month and to fly from Amsterdam is a longer trip than from Boston. And everything was okay, our plane flew over the Atlantic Ocean! The security is so good, it will protect you.
See the flight as a concession you have to make to be at your favourite place in the world, Walt Disney World.
If you allways stay in your "safe" environment, live is a bit boring isn'it? Don't let your fears rule your life dear.
Good luck with it and I hope you are really going to WDW, it is awesome

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thank you all!

 

[mom_rules]

In first class you probably won't even know you're flying-pretend you are on a bus. Since first class is at the front of the plane and there are fewer people you get pretty individual attention. Take your meds about 1-2 hours before you board and make sure the flight attendants know you are apprehensive about flying. I usually fly with three out of four of us who have a real problem with flying. Drink lots of water, stay away from the booze, do breathing exercises, wear earplanes and take your paxil and close your eyes. By the time you realize where you are you will have landed and everything will be fine. (BTW-I know this from personal experience). Enjoy yourself and take advantage of all the first class treatment!

 

[stacy6552]

Take a valumn. Really. Dont be like my SIL who paid for christmas holiday tix and got her 4 year old up at 4am to get to the airport and had a panic attack and bailed out at the gate.

 

[QuickGold]

I'm afraid of flying because of an "incident" I had so my best advice is to get drugs! I've taken Xanax and whats good about it is its an anti-anxiety pill that works for 6-8 hours and doesn't make you a vegetable. You act normally but when it comes to any sort of emotion at all, you're neutral.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

I used to be very anxious about flying, but it's gotten better with time. One thing that helps is sitting next to someone who you can talk to - it helps make the time pass. Also something mindless but distracting like a crossword puzzle or People magazine always helps me. I also ask for a pillow and blanket- my "security" objects!
Good Luck and have a great vacation

 

[tinkie]

1st take a pill (beta-blocker)
2nd drink a drink (alcohol)
3rd do a crossword puzzle
4th have your pen ready if a terrorist is on board - jab in the neck with?

5th don't worry - you'll be fine!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thanks all. I'm off now to the airport hotel . Talk to you all when I get back!!!

Sheri

 

[msmouse]

As my Dad tells me, "The most dangerous part of the trip is the drive to the airport"