Nervous Flyer

[uagirl]

I'm an extremely nervous flyer. I've flown 2 times in my life. Once to Orlando, once back home in 2009. Since DD is in the picture now, I'm worried that my anxiety may cause her to freak out a bit. Any tips for a nervous flyer? (Ativan was suggested to me, but is not an option. It knocks me out for 12 hours + and won't work with a 2 year old in tow.)

 

[DebbieB]

I'm an extremely nervous flyer. I've flown 2 times in my life. Once to Orlando, once back home in 2009. Since DD is in the picture now, I'm worried that my anxiety may cause her to freak out a bit. Any tips for a nervous flyer? (Ativan was suggested to me, but is not an option. It knocks me out for 12 hours + and won't work with a 2 year old in tow.)

Take a deep breath and think that millions fly daily with no problem. I would not advise meds if you are alone with a 2 year old.

How many airline passengers are there per year in the US?

809,611,003.

There are 809,611,003 airline passengers who traveled in America for the year 2008. This is the most recent annual data available from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Most air travelers in America traveled domestically, representing 80.5% of the total annual total. More passengers traveled in July than in any other month.

 

[Hannathy]

Make your DH primary caretaker of your DD. He should carry her or walk her -not sure how old she is- He should buckle her in, deal with her primarily on the flight, etc. You should take care of the bags, etc. That way he can be calm and happy and positive and then if you are a bit nervous it will be easier to not show your DD.

Also I'm going to be a bit mean but for your DD's sake it is time to put your nervousness aside for your DD's sake and be the adult. You can do it! You can also tell your DD and your DH can tell her that Mommy isn't feeling very good today, she has a headache or sick to your stomach, etc and will be not quite herself and Daddy will be dealing with her. Or if you are alone with her this is a good way to conceal your nervousness and why you may not be yourself.

 

[Flight]

Ask the flight attendants that you would both like to visit the flight deck and meet the pilots. Really cool place! Explain your concerns to the pilots and they will do a good job allaying your fears.

Open the window shade and keep it open. Have fun with your daughter pointing out and talking about all the incredible sights out the window. Do this as soon as you get on and especially during takeoff and climb out. Don't act nervous and don't jump or clutch your daughter at every little bump. She will learn her behavior from watching you. Keep the dialogue going on about the sights outside your window.

Many of the rides you have been on at Disney have more "turbulence" than you will experience on your flight.

What a fun adventure for you and your daughter!

 

[Disney Ron]

I read on a Fear of Flying site a pilot was asked the question "What is the most dangerous part of flying?" His answer was "driving to the airport". I thought it was a great answer.

I love to fly so although it doesn't bother me, I feel for those who are fearful of it.

 

[AshleyD1983]

If you are that concerned about having flight anxiety, you could always consult with your physician to have something prescribed. If you decide to go that route, definitely make sure that you are prescribed enough pills to try it out before your trip since different people react to medication differently (Try it out when you are at home with someone else there, just in case). You don't want to take it for the first time right before you get on the airplane. Speaking from experience, I have issues with flight anxiety. I have flown numerous times, and it never gets easier for me. I know that statistically speaking it is extremely rare for something to go wrong, but I still have the anxiety. With that being said, my doctor prescribes me a low dose of Valium before I fly. I take it about 45 minutes before we get on the airplane, and I am fine. It does not knock me out or make me feel "strange." It just relieves the anxiety. You most definitely do not want to show your daughter that you are worried/anxious. My 3 year old son's first flight was this past April, and he absolutely loved it! He was amazed by the entire experience! As long as she does not pick up on your anxiety, she will be completely fine and not think there is something to worry about. As another poster said, it would help tremendously if your husband is the primary caretaker during the flight experience. Enjoy your trip, and everything will be just fine.

 

[Missytara]

I hope this story gives you a bit of a giggle.

I live in DE and we fly out of BWI.

I fly about twice a year. I love it, with the exception of take-off. I also have claustrophobia, so I prefer the window seat; something about the extra 3 inches of space on the window sill.

I traveled this past year with a group, including a 5 year old who is somewhat adventurous at first, but gets scared at the last minute. She was so excited, because Mommy said, "The last time I was on an airplane, I was in her belly."

Well, I just wanted to close my eyes until we got in the air. Skylar was seated between her mom and I, with little brother on Mom's lap. She suddenly grabbed my arm, and declared, "Miss D, I am soooooooo scared." Mom was busy, so I had to take over; ugh, I have no kids. Mom jumped in, declared we are going to go really, really, really, really fast and then we will be in the air. Think two gymnastic lessons, and we will be in Florida." Geez, why couldn't I think of that.

She held my arm so tightly, and finally opened her eyes, and said, "Mommy, I can see Texas where I was born." We looked at her and thought, hey whatever works. Yep, on the right side of the plane is clearly not Baltimore, but Texas.

Fast forward, we land, and walk over to the tram to go over to ME. She screams, and says no, no, no.

I don't want to go underwater!

Huh?????? I finally picked her up and held her the entire way , so she wouldn't go underwater.........

 

[Southernswthrt]

I can empathize with your nervousness. While I am not extremely nervous about flying and have flown a number of times, I just try not to think about my fear. The only time I actually get anxious on the flight is when it gets turbulent. Depending on the time of the flight, I will have a drink in the airport sometimes just to relax - not get toasted!

That being said, I am flying in December for the first time with my DD who will be 20 months old, and for some strange reason, I am quite nervous about the flight with her. Not quite sure what I'm going to do about it, but I just keep thinking all will be well.

 

[Missytara]

I can empathize with your nervousness. While I am not extremely nervous about flying and have flown a number of times, I just try not to think about my fear. The only time I actually get anxious on the flight is when it gets turbulent. Depending on the time of the flight, I will have a drink in the airport sometimes just to relax - not get toasted!

That being said, I am flying in December for the first time with my DD who will be 20 months old, and for some strange reason, I am quite nervous about the flight with her. Not quite sure what I'm going to do about it, but I just keep thinking all will be well.

When we traveled with a 14 month old last year, I did a bit of research. I am the planner.

Give them a sippy cup right before take-off; it helps the ears and many children go to sleep right after. Our 14 month old did not wake up until 10 minutes before we landed from BWI.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I'm a nervous flyer too. I've been to Europe, and to Orlando 3 times via air. Sheesh, you'd think I'd be fine by now. I am scared of heights though. I do OK once I'm all the way up in the air and can no longer really tell that I'm high up.

I prefer the aisle seat so I can't see out the window how high up I am. I also feel like I have a little more breathing room there. The only parts that really bother me are takeoff and landing (takeoff more so).

DH always reminds me that lots and lots of people travel safely via air every day and that statistically, it's the safest method of travel.

 

[uagirl]

I'm a nervous flyer too. I've been to Europe, and to Orlando 3 times via air. Sheesh, you'd think I'd be fine by now. I am scared of heights though. I do OK once I'm all the way up in the air and can no longer really tell that I'm high up.

I prefer the aisle seat so I can't see out the window how high up I am. I also feel like I have a little more breathing room there. The only parts that really bother me are takeoff and landing (takeoff more so).

DH always reminds me that lots and lots of people travel safely via air every day and that statistically, it's the safest method of travel.

This is me too, except I prefer window seat so I can see and feel like I'm not so boxed in.

 

[uagirl]

Ask the flight attendants that you would both like to visit the flight deck and meet the pilots. Really cool place! Explain your concerns to the pilots and they will do a good job allaying your fears.

Open the window shade and keep it open. Have fun with your daughter pointing out and talking about all the incredible sights out the window. Do this as soon as you get on and especially during takeoff and climb out. Don't act nervous and don't jump or clutch your daughter at every little bump. She will learn her behavior from watching you. Keep the dialogue going on about the sights outside your window.

Many of the rides you have been on at Disney have more "turbulence" than you will experience on your flight.

What a fun adventure for you and your daughter!

They still do this? I thought this was one of the things that was stopped post 9/11.

 

[Flight]

Yes, passengers can still visit the flight deck prior to closing the main cabin door.

Most pilots will welcome passengers, especially kids, visiting up front. It is amazing that more kids do not even look to the left towards the flight deck when they board. In some aircraft, the flight deck is immediately to the left as passengers board and the flight deck door is usually open.

When you board, tell the flight attendant that you would like to see the flight deck and talk to the pilots. A good flight crew will let the kids sit in one of the seats so have your camera ready! If you are a nervous traveller, let the pilots know. They will do their best to give you a briefing on what to expect on that flight.

 

[Sherrkel]

I can sympathize with anyone who has a fear of flying as DD and myself are in your club

Back in 2007, we flew our first trip to Disney with our family since my DD was a toddler. The day we flew in 2007 was her 14th birthday. I thought she would be fine. The plan taxied down the runway and she was all smiles. Then we started picking up speed, faster, and faster, and slowly lifted off. Suddenly, the smiles left, panic ensued, and she cried "this is the worst birthday present ever"!

She did pretty well once we were in the air, and she managed to distract herself with her MP3 player, Nintendo game, etc.

Since then, my daughter does take a low dose of Xanax (she calls it her airplane med!), and it really helps. I know you say that is not an option for you. There may be other meds that would help, you should talk to your doctor.

Leading up to your trip, if you focus more on the planning, and envision how you will feel once you are at your destination, and talk about it with your DH and DD, you may be able to refocus a little of your fear of flying and instead focus on the fun you'll have once at your happy place.

Good luck!

 

[DebbieB]

Yes, passengers can still visit the flight deck prior to closing the main cabin door.

Most pilots will welcome passengers, especially kids, visiting up front. It is amazing that more kids do not even look to the left towards the flight deck when they board. In some aircraft, the flight deck is immediately to the left as passengers board and the flight deck door is usually open.

When you board, tell the flight attendant that you would like to see the flight deck and talk to the pilots. A good flight crew will let the kids sit in one of the seats so have your camera ready! If you are a nervous traveller, let the pilots know. They will do their best to give you a briefing on what to expect on that flight.

They usually are going through their pre-flight checks, they may not have time for that. If they can't, I would not call them a "bad flight crew".