Need some advice on airline seating...ASAP!!!

[momof2OH]

I'm in the process of booking our flight and it asked me to pick our seats. Is there a particular section of the plane (front/back) or certain seats that are better for people who are terrified of flying? Can't be a window seat!

TIA

 

[Candice30]

i always like as close to the front as possible. IMO, you feel less of the plane moving and the engine noise in the back usually scares my sister who is afraid to fly. she does usually like the window though. i guess a mind thing as she says it makes her feel safer. the window only has to be up during take off so she closes her eyes and then once the plane is level, we close it. for me, for comfort, i prefer the aisle and as i said, closer to the front!

 

[winterman]

I can't relate to your fear of flying question but I can suggest the following website for guidelines of seat selection.

www.seatguru.com
www.seatguru.com

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I suggest you pick an aisle seat near the front of the plane.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks for the two replys. I looked at the site and I still am having a hard time figuring which seats to select. All the front seats are taken. They start at row 17. I didn't think this was going to be so hard
There are 4 of us flying and all but 1 has never flown. 2 of us are completely terrified to even get on the plane (self and son). I am affraid of heights severely, thus the NO window seat. Just thinking about flying puts me into a panic.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Here is what I would do. Many airplanes have either a 3 seat on one side and two seat on the other side of the aisle configuration. If you have that configuration, pick row 17 the two seats adjoining on the three seat side. You get the aisle and the middle seat, if possible. Now, if on row 18 there is the same possibility, pick that.

If your airplane has a 3 and 3 configuration, then pick the aisle and middle seat on either side of the aisle.

This leaves no one with the window seat.

Next, I would consider going to some of the "fear of flying" websites and look them over carefully. Here is just one of many:
http://www.fearofflying.com/

You can overcome this before you leave.

 

[seashoreCM]

I currently suggest choosing seats near the back but not the last two rows.

1. You board sooner so there is less of a problem storing your carry on bag.

2. The alst I heard, the chances of surviving a plane crash are better for the back seat passengers.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

(The very last seat usually doesn't recline so avoid it. Also avoid the row just in front of the wing exit.)

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks for all the replys!
Since there is 4 of us going and the plane has 25 rows of 3 seats on each side of the aisle, we are going to get the same row, but 2 seats on each side of the aisle. The aisle seat and the next one to it. They are starting with rows 17 or 18 last I checked so I will try for something there. They are over the wings, so I'm hoping that won't be a problem!
I'm not worried about crashing, I'm worried because my feet are off the ground!! My fear of heights has gotten so bad as I get older. I can't go up a ladder. The upper floors at hotels are horrible, but I try to manage on those. To me it's just the idea that my mind knows that the rest of me is that high up. Sometimes just thinking about it starts me panicing. I hate it!! I used to ride rides and now I can't!! I'm hoping that once I arrive in Orlando (first time on the plane) that getting back on to go home won't be as bad. Otherwise, I'll be a new resident of FL. ha ha

Again, thanks everyone!!!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Originally posted by seashoreCM
I currently suggest choosing seats near the back but not the last two rows.
1. You board sooner so there is less of a problem storing your carry on bag.
2. The alst I heard, the chances of surviving a plane crash are better for the back seat passenger
The very last seat usually doesn't recline so avoid it. Also avoid the row just in front of the wing exit.)

As you can see, there are various thought patterns as to where to sit on an airplane.

The fear of flying is something that you should address before your flights since it seems to be a problem. There are many places to find help to control this fear.

Picking aisle and middle seats over the wing will help you to manage the fear. You might even consider asking your doctor for something that Xanax, that could help during the flight. But, only take it with the doctor's approval.

 

[momof2OH]

Well...I have finally purchased the seats!! I was able to get the seats we decided on. My son already is prescribed Xanax so he's good to go and my doctor has told me to come in close to when we leave and he'll write me a prescription. I also plan to look more at the one web site on fear of flying. I think everything will be ok once that first flight is done.

Thanks for everyones help with this!!

 

[Ode]

momof2OH,
What is Xanax...??

ode.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Originally posted by Ode
What is Xanax...?? ode.

Here:"Alprazolam is an antianxiety agent, benzodiazepines. Used primarily for short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety and nervous tension. Alprazolam is also effective in the treatment of activity depression or panic attacks. It can be useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety due to a neurosis as well. Alprazolam may help the symptoms of PMS if extreme, some cancers pains if given with various narcotics, agoraphobia, essential tremor, and ringing ears.
CLASS: Triazolo Benzodiazepines.
Generic name: Alprazolam.
Type: Antianxiety.
Strengths:
Oral Solution:
0.25mg , 0.5 mg
1 mg / 5 ml, 0.25mg / 2.5 ml.
Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.
Normal dosage: USE UP TO EIGHT MONTHS ONLY!
If under 18 years of age, DO NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 0.25mg to 1.5mg daily.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.

Dosage Depends on Disorder:
Oral ( For anxiety or nervous tension ):
Start : 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Maximum : 4 mg in 24 hours.

Oral ( For panic disorder ):
Start : 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Increases : 1 mg daily in 3 to 4 day intervals.
Maximum : 10 mg in 24 hours.
Take With: With or without food.
Full Benefits In: First day to a week.
Missed Dose(s): If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!
If Stop Taking: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if have been taking for over three weeks.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Originally posted by momof2OH
Well...I have finally purchased the seats!! I was able to get the seats we decided on. My son already is prescribed Xanax so he's good to go and my doctor has told me to come in close to when we leave and he'll write me a prescription. I also plan to look more at the one web site on fear of flying. I think everything will be ok once that first flight is done.
Thanks for everyones help with this!!

Good that you bought the seats that you described.

I really suggest that you read as much as you can about the fear of flying on the helpful web sites (and there are many sites). Who knows? By the time you fly, you may have overcome the fear. The more knowledge you have, the less fearful you will become.

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks WDW...I plan on looking at them. It sure can't hurt, only help. Maybe I can find a Fear of Heights site too. That's the one I really need since it's not just the airplane that effects me. Hey, maybe someday I can go back on another roller coaster.

 

[sgtdisney]

Keep in mind that when you are sitting over the wings you are also sitting over the landing gear of the aircraft. You can hear (and sometimes feel in your feet the movement of) the gear going up and down. On some aircraft you can also hear the slats and flaps on the wings going up and down as well. Also, depending on the aircraft you are flying, you can sometimes hear the engines when you are sitting over the wings rev up on take off and especially on landing when they reverse the thrust and rev up the engines to slow the aircraft down. . Just be aware that these noises are normal and are just the workings of the aircraft during flight.

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks sgtdisney!! Now I'll know that the noises my kids and I might hear are "Normal".

 

[DebbieB]

I would take a walkman and sit back and close your eyes. You can't use it during takeoff and landing, but you can the rest of the time.

 

[momof2OH]

Oh...your not allowed to use them? Why? That's what my son was going to be using from the time he walks on until the time he walks off. Oh no, not good!

 

[alacazander]

Hello,

I've been a flight attendant for the past 17 years. Congratulations on flying your do just fine!

The best seat assignment I would recommend is right over the wings. It feels less bumps and movements then the front and back of the airplane.

You might hear more sounds like the engines (attached to the wings) which you would hear any place on the place just a noch louder and the landing gear retracting, etc. but overall it's the most calming area to sit!

The best thing you can do for yourself is relax. Remember you are in control, everything is fine and will be. Your going on a magical vacation so let yourself enjoy this part of it!

Bring lots to distract yourself with books, magazines and let the flight attendants know your fears! They will do theri best to make you comfortable!

Have a great trip!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by momof2OH
Oh...your not allowed to use them? Why? That's what my son was going to be using from the time he walks on until the time he walks off. Oh no, not good!

I think it has something to do with potential interference with the radios to the tower.