Nervous to Fly

[laurafaith]

ok i have flown probably 30 times in my life but i haven't flown in over 3 years and now the thougth if getting on a plane makes me sick -- we live in central IL so the thought of driving sounds AWFUL -- im also nervous because this will be my 3 year olds first time on a plane -- i don't know what to do?? anyone else scared of flying any tips -- my sister said just have the doctor prescribe me something to relax me -- anyone ever try that?? thanks

 

[Feralpeg]

I always look at it this way. If we get there safe and sound, I have nothing to worry about. If we don't, I still have nothing to worry about.

I'm really not trying to be flip. I realize your fear is real, but letting your imagination run wild is the worst thing you can do. You are so much safer on a plane than you are driving. While I don't like flying because it is so confining, I know that the chances of anything bad happening are so small.

Think of how many car accidents you hear of in a day. Do you still get in the car? Think of how many plane accidents you hear of in a year. They are so rare.

Do what your sister suggested. Get something to help you relax and try not to worry.

 

[Wishn on a Star]

Hi,

I just wanted to reply. I too am terrified of flying. I never liked it, but would do it on occasion. But since I became a mother, I refuse to get on a plane and the thought of putting my children on a plane makes me nauseous. We live in MN and are driving to DW. I have 3 children ages 1, 5 and 8. We actually enjoy it. We break up the drive and stay a night. We tour places during the day. Last time we went to Fl (not a disney trip..bummer) we stopped and saw the caves in Kentucky and the Grand Ol Opery in TN. They were precious memories for us as well. At that time, my son was 3 and my daughter 6 months. They did great and a portable DVD is a MUST!

That said, I am trying to overcome my fears and did find a website that is pretty informative and has helped my fears some : ) The site is fear of flying (all one word)
You may want to check that out.

I do understand where you are coming from. I wish that I had some answers for you, but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone!

Best Wishes

Tracy

 

[KimberlyC]

I used to love flying but not so much anymore for many reasons. I'm a bit nervous to take DS on his first plane ride but agree with the other poster. Accidents are rare. When they happen, well as morbid as it sounds, you probably will not be around anymore to worry about it. And without a doubt planes are safer than cars. Take what happened at Chicago midway this winter. The SW plane skidded off the runway. The pax in the plane survived, but the child in the car just driving down the street near the airport did not.

Its a fear some can let go and others can't, but its unfortunate. My DFIL won't fly, ever. My DMIL longs to go to Hawaii, but he won't fly and so she either takes the trip of a lifetime without him or just doesn't get to go. So far its the latter and she isn't getting any younger.

As for tips, consult with your doctor and see what is available. Also, use your child as a motivating factor...a reason to get over the fear is so that he/she will get to experience more. As parents we often do for our kids things that we would never just do for ourselves. Best wishes and good luck

 

[Haworthfamily]

The flight from Uk to Florida is 9/10 hours - which does terrify me a little.
My DH is a plane fanatic and so he loves it and at my 4 year old DD.

But this year - (well in 3 weeks time!) my parents and sisters are coming on our WDW trip too.
My mother is very scared about flying and get's a mild seditive from the doctors. Which works, but can you make you feel a little motion sickness! so it has pro's and con's.

My Father says - at least we are all together if anything happens.

I try not to worry about it and focus on the holiday and I often find that on the way home - your so tired you don't really care about the flight home, more sad that your leaving WDW but looking forward to sleeping in your own bed and a nice cup of tea.

Sarah X

3 weeks today - until WDW trip! woo hoo!

 

[la79al]

Last year we took DD on her first plane ride. She was terrified. Would not even speak from the time we told her til we got to the airport (3 hours). When we got to the airport though, we walked around and looked out all the windows and I explained to her what everyone outside was doing. We even got to wave at a pilot while he was sitting in the plane waiting. Knowing what was going on helped her a lot and by the time we were ready to get on the plane she had no problems. This may help you to feel better about flying as well.

 

[Selket]

We flew down to WDW last summer on one of our trips because we were attending a conference and wouldn't be there a long time - it was too long a drive for too short a trip! Anyway I"m a nervous flyer and hadn't flown since 9/11 (I live in the Washington, DC suburbs - a co-worker and her family with 2 little girls died in one of the planes that went into the Pentagon - so 9/11 still scares me flying wise).

Anyway I know how this fear can actually sort of ruin a trip to a place like WDW where you normally would look forward to going and planning, etc. I decided against getting any meds to take during the trip but that might be a good option for you. I also found that if I can put parenting duties mostly on my husband and put on some earphones with music and get a good book - a REALLY good book - one I've already started reading a bit and I'm really interested in - I can start reading on the plane and I don't notice nearly as much what is going on.

My sons were 3 and 7 on the trip last summer and both LOVED flying. I did not mention to them that it makes me nervous or it would have made them worried too. Indeed you ARE way more safer flying than driving and it is safer for your children too. And I want my kids to feel safe flying so they'll be willing to be world travelers if they want when they get older.

And it is a FANTASTIC feeling to get off that airplane and be in Orlando - just minutes from the mouse!

 

[chocolate mouse]

As nervous passengers go, I'm right up there! Trouble is, when you have kids - dd8, ds3 - you don't want your fear to rub off on them. I did once get a mild sedative from the doctors which helped a lot but when you're trying to look after 2 kids on a flight while being zonked is not a good idea! We are flying from England and are looking at a 9 hour flight (only 10 days to go!!!) so I am starting to get really nervous now, although I'm trying to put it to the back of my mind and concentrate on the reason I'm going to be on the plane. Then I get the excited buzz! However, no matter how many people tell you how safe it is, or you'll be fine, etc. if the fear is there then it's there. All you can do is try your best not to let it overpower you. That's what I do, even though my knuckles will be white and my heart will be in my mouth! Hope you have a great time! (A few drinks may help you relax!)

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I used to fly too, and haven't flown in about 5 years. I love Disney so each time we have gone we've had to drive. I can't imagine taking my son on a plane...the whole idea terrifies me.

Driving takes us about 18 hours from Northern PA. We break it up over two days and it really isn't bad. We actually have fun driving. Although last time MIL rented a motorhome for us all to ride in

It's up to you, most people think I am crazy for not flying.

 

[Befferk]

I used to think that someday I would try it. I am beyond terrified of flying. I have panic attack nightmares if I think about it too much. I don't care how much people try to tell me that it's safer, my mind will not comprehend it. As far as a sedative, I don't take medication unless it's a matter of life or death. Too hard on a person's body.

I also can't handle having such little control in a plane, and not to mention of my own schedule. Driving lets us leave on time, take our time if we want, and see everything in between. I have decided that I am not going to "force" myself to get over it and get on a plane. We live in Wisconsin, and while it is somewhat of a pain to take off the extra vacation time, it is also nice to have to take off that much vacation time, KWIM? I am worse too since I became a parent, as others have posted.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Beth