Portable DVD & Petrified Fliers

[happybratpack]

Hi all

I became horribly afraid of flying around 99 - no reason why really and the couple times I've flown since then I've used Xanax & Phenegren. (haven't flown since 2000 though) These work fine once I'm on the plane, but the months prior I'm sick everytime I think about it. I've put my tickets on hold but haven't gotten up to actually purchasing them yet. I really hate this about myself sometimes.

So - this time I'm trying to make myself feel better about it prior to the flight so I'm looking for ways to do this. I was thinking about a Portable DVD player to see if it would help distract me some, I was wondering if this helped anyone else out there or if it made things worse. My stomach gets sick on the plane from nerves (hence the Phenegren) so I didn't know if this would make it worse. If anyone else has any ideas I'd love to hear them...I don't want to spend the next 2 months worried about this stupid flight.

 

[debster812]

I'm so sorry you have such a hard time flying. I certainly don't enjoy it, but not as badly as you.

A portable DVD player might be a nice distraction for you, but just keep in mind, you will not be able to use during take off and landing. The flight crew will announce when you may turn them on, and when you must turn them off.

Good Luck!

Debbie

 

[JimMIA]

I have two points of view here. One as the frequent-flyer husband of a very fearful flyer, and the other as a Dad to a three year old who loves to fly but gets a little bored on long flights.

With regard to the fear, I'm not sure there is anything anyone can tell you to allay your fears. Your fear is real and genuine, and like most fears, it is irrational. You know very well that millions of people fly every day -- doesn't matter, you're scared.

Experts will tell you that most of the fear comes from two things: 1) lack of control, and 2) lack of knowledge about what is really going on.

My bride took one of those Fearful Flyer courses, and it did help. But I think what really helped is that she called American's regular reservations number one day and told them how scared she was. Somehow, they transferred her to a pilot who was one of their top safety guys. He talked to her for over an hour, answering every question she had.

One of the things that makes her crazy is when the aircraft bumps or shudders a little. If you fly a lot, you realize they do that all the time, but if you don't fly much it sometimes seems like the world is coming to an end. That safety pilot told her (truthfully) that those little hiccups are exactly the same as a car hitting a pothole or rough spot in the road. It's a bump - nothing more. BIG bumps are the equivalent of speedbumps.

She was also worried about what happens when this cylinder runs into the jet stream 7 1/2 miles up in the air. The jet stream, after all, is blowing 100+ MPH. The pilot simply asked her how fast she thought the plane was moving - what, 550 MPH? She was worried about a 100 MPH wind outside when there is ALWAYS a 500 MPH wind blowing!

I would look into a Fearful Flyer course. It will give you a lot of information which may help. You may still need something to calm your nerves, but it should help. Your favorite airline should be able to recommend a fearful flyer course. If not, change airlines.

*****
Portable DVD players. Those things are great! Miami to LA is 5 1/2 hours, and we did that half on the DVD player and half on my laptop. Kept a 2 1/2 year old's attention the whole time. Same thing MIA-Boston, same thing San Francisco-DFW-MIA. She's a traveling fool! And yes, it did help Mommy too.

 

[JimMIA]

The other suggestion I have for you is to focus on what is REALLY important. Instead of focusing on the flight you dread, focus on Mickey and Donald and Pooh!

The flight is not going to be your favorite part of the trip...even if it is a great flight. But, oh what a trip it is going to be! You are going to have a ball! Focus on the ball.

 

[dvc guy]

Your post does not indicate where you live. If possible try Jetblue or Song with live TV it really takes your mind off stuff. DW is OK with plane travel, but hates the bumps and turbalance , the triva game on SONG really took her mind off landing. We purchased a portable DVD player for the kids , best investment we ever made. Remember most players have battiries that last between 2 and 2.5 hours. Good luck

 

[happybratpack]

I wanted to thank you guys for taking the time to respond and for the kind words. I would love to be able to fly Song or Jetblue but unfortunately from Dallas for a nonstop flight I'm looking at AA or Airtrans. I wanted to fly Airtrans but I couldn't pick my seat (close to the restroom) ahead of time so that doesn't work. I have my AA seats on hold and I need to book tonight before midnight.

JimMIA - thank you for the suggestions, I will certainly call.

I think I'm going to go ahead and invest in a DVD player, I'll use it at other times so it wouldn't be a waste if it didn't help me on the plane.

Thanks again for everything, you guys are terrific.