petrified of flying

[florry]

Any tips on what I can take to get me on the plane ??

Last year we nearly didn't get our holiday because I was so terrified I froze at the airplane door and couldn't get on.

The whole time I'm up there I'm a nervous wreck and am unable to enjoy the atmosphere because I'm quivering like a jelly !

Any tips or reasurance would be welcome.

To cap it all DH is terrified aswell LOL but puts on a brave face

 

[Rain]

As a functioning fearful flyer I know just how you feel!

The best advice I can give you is to ask to meet the pilot before boarding. They are always willing to talk to fearful flyers.
This does two things, it gives you chance to voice your fears and secondly It allows you to know that the pilot is an everyday guy or lady. He is just as anxious as you to get home to is family!

Read books on Flying without fear.

If you can get to an airport, vist as much as possible before the flight, get used to seeing how many planes are taking off and landing safely. It is a perfectly normal mode of transport.

The last thing I would encourage you to do is to visit Soar fear of flying site. There are lots of pilots and others like yourself there to encourage and help. Some of the pilots are from the UK too.

You can visit the doctor and get some Valium ( don't drink alcohol) if you feel you just cannot cope.
I take rescue remedy from the health shop and I find this is ok for me.

On the flight make sure you drink plenty of water, take something plain with you to eat on the plane like bagels or banana. ( Carbohydrates lessen stress)

I hope this helps and good luck!


Lynda

 

[Claddagh]

I also am not a great flyer. I find taking of and landing especially traumatic. I try and tell myself that if I let it beat me then I will never go anywhere or see anything outside of the UK in my whole life. The most important thing I would say is get yourself as relaxed as possible before the flight. If you can check in the night before (if you are flying Virgin you can, not sure about other airlines) then do so. This will mean less hanging around at the airport watching planes take off! Bring a portable CD player or walkman with you and listen to some classical/relaxing music before you board this plane - just close your eyes and focus on the music. Breathing exercises are extremely good as well. If you breath in and visualise your fear and then as you breath out imagine you are letting go of your fear - sounds mad but do this a few times and you will feel more relaxed. In fact you should do this a few weeks before you go and each day it will become a little bit easier. I know that your fear for you is very real and that you probably think nothing could be worth putting yourself through that much emotion - but believe me, when you get to Florida and you experience the "Magic" I am sure you will change your mind. Each time you fly it will honestly get easier. You may never be a "good" flyer but that is o.k. There is no pressure on you to become an airline pilot! In fact, there is no pressure on you at all. Don't be afraid to ask for help and ask questions about the plane or anything else that is on your mind. Life is so short and you should enjoy it to the maximum. Don't let your fear get the better of you. I am sure you are much stronger than you think.

Fingers crossed for you!

 

[GO2209]

My GF was very anxious about flying.

Her first flight was a Virgin MAN-MCO with me - seemed wise to start gently!

We visited the airport many times beforehand - that helped. Also, checking in very early or the day before helps. Not queuing in a huge crowd certainly lowers stress levels.

On the day, taking Bachs Rescue Remedy(?) and Kalms provided some relief. And, of course, lots of hand holding, hugs and disney thoughts!

 

[poet123]

we go on the 14th and I can feel the knot of fear beginning now!I feel better about this flight as all the family are going and I will not show my fear to them so I appear calm!!!!!!!!!!! The fatalist in me takes over andwe usually get there!!!!

 

[Tron[ADS]]

My friends wife is quite a nervous flyer, and she, as someone else recommended, visits the dr beforehand and gets some valium. He says that it really does the trick

If you have someone whos able to take responsibility for you (as you wont really be able to think amazingly clearly), then thats definitely the way to go.

Also worth noting that if there was anything remotely dodgy about the plane, the pilot wouldnt be taking off and risking himself.

I would also advise that you don't watch the movie Airplane! any time near the flight

 

[jockey]

Florry

I work in the aviation industry and see hundreds of flights take off and land every day with no problems. There are lots of checks that the crew must do before they depart and if there was even the slightest hint of anything suspect they would not depart.

As others have suggested go to the airport before hand, I would also suggest ringing the airline and explaining you are nervous and ask if you can be pre boarded, they may also let you have a look around the flight deck before departure!

Lots of people are nervous flyers but some just disguse it better than others!!! Flying is the safest way to travel!!!

 

[rainyUK]

Not sure if it will help but there are special "fear of flying" courses you can take beforehand, more details at

http://www.airfraid.com/2002/flying/will/courses1.asp

My friend went on the Virgin one and said it was very good.