NEVER flown before! Looking for any advice!

[kkhworth]

DH has flown several times for work, but I have NEVER flown. And, well, I have always said I would never fly~even when I was young. I am very nervous. SO, I really need to know eactly what to expect. We will be booking our flights next week when Southwest releases their summer dates. ANY advice/tips/whatever you want to share is *greatly* appreciated! We will be using ME, so anything to do with that is great, too! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Hi! Another Tennessean here. Go to www.fearofflying.com My brother was a little nervous too, but he used this website as a resource and found that once he understood more about the planes and how it all worked, he felt much better. Worth a try.

 

[digitaldevice]

Let me tell you the first time I flew, I was hooked and you might be to. That is just a warning because if you’re hooked, you will want to fly everywhere. I liked it so much I have signed up for flight lesions for the spring..

 

[dg39]

I was so afraid to fly that we didn't do it for over 20yrs. We drove everywhere until it came the time that the WHOLE family was getting angry with me.

My dh and kids got disgusted over this and just booked a flight/hotel to Fort Lauderdale last Easter vacation. I was so nervous/mad/sick over it I didn't sleep. It was always on my mind.

I went online and looked up everything good/bad about flying. I knew the good outweighed the bad, but, I couldn't get it into my headl
The night before I didn't sleep a wink. That morning we go to the airport and even the man that took our luggage asked me if anything was wrong, because my face had the "I'm scared" look on it.

We get on the plane, I had my Ipod because I didn't want to hear the engine noise or anything else. I sat still, like a zombie and before I knew it we were landing and I had the biggest smile.

Needless to say, my fear was unfounded, and we flew several times after that.

We're now closing on a condo at the end of the month in Fort Lauderdale and I expect to fly there every chance we get.

Flying is ok, not my favorite thing, but, now when I know I need to fly, I don't give it a 2nd thought. There's nothing to expect, you get on the plane ,sit, talk with your family, read a book/magazine, listen to your ipod, and before you know it, your waiting for your luggage and onto your vacation.

 

[airhead]

I was so afraid to fly that we didn't do it for over 20yrs. We drove everywhere until it came the time that the WHOLE family was getting angry with me.

My dh and kids got disgusted over this and just booked a flight/hotel to Fort Lauderdale last Easter vacation. I was so nervous/mad/sick over it I didn't sleep. It was always on my mind.

I went online and looked up everything good/bad about flying. I knew the good outweighed the bad, but, I couldn't get it into my headl
The night before I didn't sleep a wink. That morning we go to the airport and even the man that took our luggage asked me if anything was wrong, because my face had the "I'm scared" look on it.

We get on the plane, I had my Ipod because I didn't want to hear the engine noise or anything else. I sat still, like a zombie and before I knew it we were landing and I had the biggest smile.

Needless to say, my fear was unfounded, and we flew several times after that.

We're now closing on a condo at the end of the month in Fort Lauderdale and I expect to fly there every chance we get.

Flying is ok, not my favorite thing, but, now when I know I need to fly, I don't give it a 2nd thought. There's nothing to expect, you get on the plane ,sit, talk with your family, read a book/magazine, listen to your ipod, and before you know it, your waiting for your luggage and onto your vacation.

Yup. I was like that too. This Dis member is right. Listen to her!

 

[fla4fun]

Knowledge is power. I hadn't flown for over 25 years, and things came together for me to take a trip to London (not a short flight by any means). I was very nervous, but I scoured the Internet for info. One of my favorite websites was fromthecockpit, which is run by a female pilot. There were take off and landing videos, so I could get an idea of what to expect. There were explanations of all the different noises and sensations, what they meant, whether to be concerned or not (some of the most common sounds really sound bad if you don't know what they are). I was really glad of all the info when we had to fly around Hurricane Wilma on the outbound flight - lots of turbulence, but I knew what it was and that it wasn't anything to worry about. When it came right down to it, although I was still nervous about the take off and landing, I had a really enjoyable trip.

 

[Silver Queen]

You have my complete sympathy and understanding. I used to be very afraid of flying and gave up the opportunity to go to Italy once because I didn't want to fly. I also went on two trips to Disney and one trip to California and the anxiety about the flying part of the trip made it hard to fully enjoy the rest of the vacations.
The bottom line is that I'm fine now. I realized that if I let this fear control me I would be missing a lot of opportunities in life. It's really all in your head. Logically you know that flying is incredibly safe so you just have to use what ever little mental tricks or images that will make you relaxed and confident. I found that putting together a small puzzle that fit on my tray was much more mind absorbing and relaxing for me than reading a book. The same goes for crossword puzzles and Sudoku. I also now love to sit next to the window and look out. I figure that as long as I have to be up in a plane I should take in as much of the beautiful scenery as I can. I feel pretty proud of the way that I've overcome this fear and I've even flown to Europe twice by myself!
The flight itself should be pretty smooth, most of them are. You may experience a little turbulence but that's to be expected from time to time. Please try to think positively. Flying will open up a whole new world to you. Good luck and enjoy your trip to The World!

 

[judben821]

Depending on how deep your fear runs, another option is to talk to your doctor. They can prescribe you something to help with your anxiety that you can take an hour or so before your flight. It might help relax you just enough to make it though the flight much easier.

ME is very easy to use. We've used it a few times and have always had success with it. It's pretty easy to find at the Orlando airport, the wait is never long, and the buses always seem to leave immediately. Your luggage then arrives within 3 hours. I'm sure others have had some bad experiences with it, but ours have been good.

Good luck with your trip - the more you take, the easier it seems to get!

 

[kkhworth]

THANKS for making me feel better. Does anyone care to elaborate on how things work once you get to the airport? I think Dh is getting a little tired of all my questions.

 

[Silver Queen]

Once you get to the airport you take a monorail from the arrival terminal to the main terminal where baggage claim and ground transportation is located. There will be signs for ground transportation and if I remember correctly you have to take one or two escalators down to the ME. Sometimes there are CMs there with big white Mickey gloves to welcome and direct you. In either case it's pretty to find. I'm sure there are other DISers who can give you more specific information than I can.
Here's another thought...if you don't already have one I would recommend getting a good Disney guide book. I happen to like Birnbaum but others have their favorites. This will not only give you information but will also help you to look forward to the trip. Of course it goes without saying that all of the threads on the board will be a tremendous help and source of pre-trip anticipation. Once again good luck and please let us know how everything worked out for you.

 

[Silver Queen]

Once you get to the airport you take a monorail from the arrival terminal to the main terminal where baggage claim and ground transportation is located. There will be signs for ground transportation and if I remember correctly you have to take one or two escalators down to the ME. Sometimes there are CMs there with big white Mickey gloves to welcome and direct you. In either case it's pretty to find. I'm sure there are other DISers who can give you more specific information than I can.
Here's another thought...if you don't already have one I would recommend getting a good Disney guide book. I happen to like Birnbaum but others have their favorites. This will not only give you information but will also help you to look forward to the trip. Of course it goes without saying that all of the threads on the board will be a tremendous help and source of pre-trip anticipation. Once again good luck and please let us know how everything worked out for you.

 

[OhioDisneyDad]

One word: Alcohol!

Bring cash.

 

[localdriver]

DH has flown several times for work, but I have NEVER flown. And, well, I have always said I would never fly~even when I was young. I am very nervous. SO, I really need to know eactly what to expect. We will be booking our flights next week when Southwest releases their summer dates. ANY advice/tips/whatever you want to share is *greatly* appreciated! We will be using ME, so anything to do with that is great, too! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

First, be glad you made it to the airport in the most dangerous transportation on the planet, a car. Board the plane, take your seat, fasten your seat belt and relax.

Takeoff is a fun experience, you get pushed back, like on a roller coaster, as the plane gains speed, and then your off! Then get ready for the most exceptional view you've ever seen. Your ears may be affected to some degree due to the pressure differences, but yawning or chewing gum can help that. For the most part expect a smooth ride, however, sometimes atmospheric things occur cause turbulence, which can cause the the aircraft to bump around , slightly, and rarely in a violent fashion. But don't worry, the aircraft will be just fine, as you will too! (That's why they ask you to keep your seatbelt fastened comfortably at all times.) Landing is a bit different. Again the ear thing as you descend. But the fun is final approach. You hear the FLAPS deploy, your hear the landing gear deploy, you might even think the engines are revving up, and they are, due the flaps and gear that create drag. You might even feel some vibration as all these things slow the plane to landing speed. This is all normal. Then all settles out and you touch down!!

Haah, you made it, all that worry, on the safest vehicle made be man, an airplane.

Flying is an exceptional experience, and the safest travel on the planet.

I am by no means trying to make funnies about anyone's fear of flying. I am trying to apply logic to it, and to try to put it in prospective.

Sensations we aren't used to or don't expect, can be scary. But if those fearful can put it in perspective, understand the logic, and have an idea as to what to expect, will enjoy the experience, rather than fear it.

Hope this helps, have a great flight!!

 

[Passions71203]

One word: Alcohol!

Bring cash.

Finally I found someone who thinks like me!

 

[kkhworth]

Thanks, again. You all are great. I have read and reread everything on Southwest's website, lol. I am just nervous about boarding, etc. Being that this is my first flight, I am expecting the worse...lost luggage, etc. I am even gonna send down a box of goodies (water, snacks) to Pop and I am including a change of clothes for us, just in case.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I didn't fly for the first time until I was 25 and had to travel for training for my new job. My first flight was from Chicago to San Francisco. I've always had problems with my ears plugging up and popping whether I was going underwater a few feet or riding up an elevator in a 10-story building, so I was nervous about what would happen in a plane. I survived just fine and, just like several of the other posters, was immediately hooked on flying. Since that first flight 10 years ago, I've been back to California 3 more times, to Texas, D.C., Florida twice, Pennsylvania 5 times, and Hawaii 3 times (a nice 11 hour flight from Chicago.) Never had any problems, bad turbulence, or had any luggage get lost. Flying is safe and relatively easy (once you get through security, which isn't bad if you give yourself enough time) and so much safer and better than driving. Try not to be too nervous about it. Look at it as an exciting, new experience that's going to take you someplace wonderful! Bring a good book or your favorite CD's or MP3's and before you know it, you'll be in Orlando waiting for Mickey to come pick you up!

 

[KimAshton]

I use to be deathly scared of flying now i just get on and not freaked at all. Just remember you are more likely to die in a car accident then a plane crash.

 

[Harambe]

I'm not the best flyer - to me it's just a means to an end. And that end is Disney! Yeah! I do ask my doctor for what I call my "flying pill" and he is fine about prescribing 4 pills (one to leave Boston, and one to leave MCO - with back ups as needed for delayed flights, etc.).

But the thing that worked for me years ago, when I had to fly a lot for work was making up stories about the flight attendents and their boring ol' lives - like the pilot had to meet friends to play golf the next day, or the gal handing me a drink would be going to her son's soccer game when she got back later this afternoon.

Isn't that crazy??? This helped me so much. I figured if they had every expectation to return home, then I should have every expectation to have a safe flight, too.

Good luck!

 

[solotraveler]

Hi! Another Tennessean here. Go to www.fearofflying.com My brother was a little nervous too, but he used this website as a resource and found that once he understood more about the planes and how it all worked, he felt much better. Worth a try.

I can't say enough about this website... I recommend it to every nervous flyer I know!!!

What is so great about it for first time flyers, I think, is that it explains (and has audio) of all the little "plane sounds" that happen during flight, explains what turbulence is and why it's usually not dangerous, things like that.

One other thing I might recommend is familiarizing yourself with your local airport before your flight. Find out where the ticket counter is, where security is, restrooms, the works. One less thing to make you anxious before you get on the plane. Make sure to allow plenty of time when you get there on the big day too. Once you get to Orlando, things will be very easy.... the airport has great signage.

 

[lds0191]

If you fly SW make sure you let the flight attendants know it is your first time. They will make a big deal out of it. My mother was 72 the first time she flew. They made an announcement and she received a set of 'wings' (pin).

Linda