Silly Really..

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

But ive started to worry about being on the plane!
Im developing a fear of flying,well ive always had a tiny bit of fear in my mind...the last flight i was on was 6years ago to gran canaria,and it lasted 4 and half hours i was pulling my hair (well sort of) out,and i found it hard to breath at time,sounds so silly.

Now its time to go on holiday ive started to worry of how i'll be on the plane? is this silly? im sure it will be fine but i dont know.
I keep having sill dreams too which dont help....
what do you all think? am i going looney? lol

Its mad as i used to go on holiday 3 times a year when i was younger and it never affected me only my ears.but now im older im more worried is it cause i know the risks or something?
People have told me they pity us going on a 10hour flight and say we are destined for trouble!! which does not help!

Im sure the time will fly going? lol help please.

Beth x-x

P,s, this is also my first time as a parent going on holiday with or 2year old so im abit worried about that,and its my dp's first time EVER to go on holiday and a plane!!!!!! so im worried about them too!!! but why should i be?

 

[Dimplenose]

You're definitely not going silly. I have always had a fear of heights but I was never afraid of flying.

Since having children my fear of heights has increased a lot and since Sept 11th I've been having scary dreams about flying too.

I've just done a short flight to Dublin which was Ok as long as I kept myself distracted so hopefully I'll also be able to do this to Florida.

I have to remind myself that the pilots fly these routes very often and are perfectly safe - they are very experienced and want a safe journey as much as I do!

Perhaps someone else can give more advice. I just wanted you to know that you're not alone.

Libby

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Beth - and Libby

To have a fear is to be human. Me - I'm ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED of spiders (even typing it makes me frantically look around). Yeeeeeeuch.

Beth - are you flying from Manchester. If so, don't know the fly time. But on Virgin from Gatwick it has never been any more than 8 hours, but normally 7.5 - 7.45.

Couple of years ago at Gatwick we got chatting to a large family group - mum, dad, three kiddies, and the grandparents. Granny was plain witless with fear. This was being discussed at this point as we were on the little monorail from Gatwick which takes you to the boarding gate. She was really not looking forward to the "10" hour flight she'd been told. I gave her the following info:

It is not a ten hour flight - only really 8 hours max. But there is SO much to do on flight that you mustn't worry about ALL that time up in the air.

The excitement of actually boarding - as well as a bit of trepidation (it affects even seasoned flyers, those little old butterflies surface). By the way - don't tell anyone - but I am really scared of landing However, I get through this because I am so excited about when I get off the plane and what I'm going to do.... and it's over so fast.

So, you're finally settled in your seats and the very nice smiley Virgin hostess with the mostest will check you're all strapped in ok, make sure your bags are stowed in the overhead locker/under the seat in front. Don't forget your bottle of water to drink on the flight

Then it's take off - if you have a window seat, great, you can marvel at the wonders of modern science and how easy it is for a plane to get off the ground. If not, just enjoy the sensation of rising into the air. Then all of a sudden the seatbelt light will go out, make yourself comfortable and wait for the free drinkies to come around - with a little packet of nibbles, usually.

In no time at all the menu for your lunchtime meal will be arriving - such decisions to have to make on the first day of your holiday Then the meal itself will arrive - again with a choice of drinks, even get a little bottle of wine to yourself if you want - with a 'real' glass to poor it in OK, so airline food ain't the greatest in the world, but it's a bit of fun when it arrives. Kiddies can preorder their own food with Virgin and theirs arrive first.

So, meal over with and then there's normally a competition for the "chldren". With prizes.

Don't forget in the meantime the up to date movies, etc being shown which are on a two hour real, so if you can't choose, don't worry, you can watch is next time around.

Then during one of the loops, they bring around icecreams - just like being at the cinema .

In no time, it seems, it's time for tea before landing. Normally something with scones and cream, as well as some sort of savoury snack.

Then it's landing - and you're there to start one of the most memorable experiences of your whole life ORLANDO.

We met with the granny and her family on the monorail at Orlando International and she made her way over with a big, beaming smile and actually thanked me for telling her like it would be. She loved every minute and wasn't worried in the slightest for the return flight.

Makes it all sound easy, but I respect your fears and am really just trying to show you how, once on board, the time really does fly past

However, this has made with feel positive for you - because if you're worrying about the flight, that must mean your poorly ear's getting better??

 

[Sue's Mum]

Like Libby, my fear of heights only started when the children were little - but I'm OK on a plane - it's only when there is a barrier in front of me that doesn't come up past my waist! I too hate spiders, shudder, shudder. Don't know why at all. Probably most people must have a fear of something but that doesn't make that fear irrational.

Actually, I love flying. There is always so much going on that I'm too nosy to even close my eyes. I'm might miss something important, you never know.

If you are still afraid on the day you are going, might I (tentatively) suggest that you try and keep it from the children; I'm sure you wouldn't want to pass it on to them. And then may be you might find it gets better with a bit of luck.

I can't really be any help but to send you lots of {{{{{HUGS}}}}} and PD.

 

[WDWfan uk]

........ not silly at all Beth
You've taken the first step to conquer your fear by posting and being able to discuss it. It is also very understandable that you are apprehensive about your 2 year old - you have no idea how he/she will react to the flight and believe me those of us who have taken young children on flights have all gone through this!
Debbie (DebUK) will offer some great advice for you as she has to conquer fear every time she flies but I would say for your child, you can take all the practical steps towards amusing and making him/her as comfortable as possible, and also remember that youngsters can pick up on your uncertainty so your fears need to be dealt with.
I always find it comforting to watch planes taking off and landing one after the other at an airport and then realising that that is happening in just sooooooooo many airports right the way around the world!!
I believe there are also some helpful books on this topic - again, I think Debbie will nbe able to advise you on those.
Please feel free to post away about this and discuss it with us if you find it helps.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Thanx everyone,
Im glad to hear its not only me.
Ive never felt like this before,i feel silly...i know i'll be ok,its all the what if's i have in my mind...we fly from manchester so i dont know how long it is from there?
Along with my ear infection,im falling to peices lol,but i have to admit im really really really x100's looking forward to getting there we are so excited...hehe so i suppose thats a good thing.
I hope the flight is a good,safe,and turbulance free,i bought myself some "ear planes" today as recommended by a fellow dis'er ,so i hope they help my ear problem,im feeling very much enthusiatic about the flight now,you've all cheered me up...i felt silly posting this message to be honest,why i dont know..but i did! its taken me a while to finally get it on,but well im glad i did.

Anyways enough rambling from me..
thanx for all the lovely messages and i cant wait to be back to tell you all about it

Beth xxx

 

[UKDEB]

Beth,

I started to post a reply yesterday, but I had a hectic day and I didn't get very far. I think it's going to be another busy day today, but I will try to post later.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Thanx Deb
Look forward to reading your reply

 

[UKDEB]

My first piece of advice will be of no use to you whatsoever given that you go in less than a week! Normally I would suggest getting yourself booked onto a <i>Fear of Flying</i> course - it was probably the single biggest factor in helping me. It was run by Captain Peter Hughes, a BA pilot of some 30+ years experience and Dr Keith Stoll, a Harley Street Psychiatrist, with about 20 BA pilots and cabin crew on hand throughout the day. Maybe some of the following facts and tips from the course could help you a bit, though:

* The Civil Aviation Authority places incredible safety regulations on all the airlines. Pilots have to undergo thorough training in simulators every 6 months - if they fail, they can't fly. And the simulators are so real-to-life that a pilot's first 'real' flight is often a commercial one with paying passengers.

* Before <i>each</i> flight three engineers and a flight crew member (usually the Captain) check the exterior of the aircraft for damage and leakage, brake and tyre wear, etc. Each <i>day</i> four engineers check engines, oil levels, tyre pressures, external lighting, emergency equipment, etc.

* There will always be two pilots on the flight deck. Before the flight they independantly calculate the take-off speed required taking into account the number of passengers on board, weight of cargo, amount of fuel, weather conditions, etc.

* At take-off there will be an appreciable increase in noise due to the power needed to enable the aircraft to accelerate to flying speed. As you gain speed the noise will decrease. As the aircraft leaves the runway and begins to climb, the undercarriage is retracted and you will hear the hydraulic motors working to retract the wheels into the hull.

* Because most airports are near residential areas and have to conform to environmental noise regulations, there will be a change of engine noise shortly after take-off when power is reduced at about 1000 feet. The nose of the aircraft may lower slightly too. You may experience a 'falling' sensation when this happens due to your inner ear mechanism.

* Turbulence, whilst uncomfortable and unsettling, can not harm the plane. An aircraft rides on masses of air, just like a ship sailing on water. The atmosphere is made of of different air masses and different temperatures which interact rather like currents in the ocean. Next time you go out in the car, take time to notice the amount of bumps you go over. You don't normally register them because it is so familiar and you don't sense any danger.

* A set of stringent safety regulations have been established regarding distances between aircraft. Under radar observation by Air Traffic Control within an airport zone, minimum separation between aircraft is 1000ft vertically and 3 miles horizontally. The reason for delays is often because Air Traffic Control are not allowed to reduce these minimum standards.

* As you near your destination the pilot has to reduce power. The engine noise will decrease and the nose will lower.

* If you are sitting near a window by the wing, you will see flaps being lowered for take-off and landing, and hear a whining mechanical noise which are the hydraulic motors operating them.

* From time to time, the plane may bank slightly (usually after take-off and before landing). This is how the plane turns corners and again your inner ear mechanism can detect this as a falling sensation. When the plane levels it feels as though you are 'tipping' the other way. Again, just that good old inner ear mechanism at work.

* As the aircraft approaches its destination, the pilot has to reduce speed (in much the same way you would have to if you were driving your car along a motorway at 70 miles per hour - you can't just stop, you have to slow down). This often involves the use of speedbrakes - spoilers fitted flush with the wings which, when raised, reduce the lift generated by the wings. They can result in slight vibration or buffeting. They are also used upon landing in conjunction with reverse thrust and braking.

* As the aircraft approaches the runway, the wing flaps will be lowered to enable the aircraft to fly at a lower speed. You will hear a certain amount of noise from the lowering of the undercarriage. As the plane touches down, reverse thrust is applied - this creates a short burst of noise and the plane will vibrate a bit as it slows to taxy speed.

* You should teach yourself relaxation and deep-breathing techniques to help out if you start to feel panicky. It is impossible for your body to feel sensations of panic if you are relaxed. I find this helps a bit, but it is hard to focus for an 8 hour flight!

* Whenever your brain starts to play a disaster movie (***Terrorist on board***holds pilots hostage***plane starts to dive out of control***everyone dies a horrible death), just say to yourself <b>STOP</b> and think of something else. Do this <b>every</b> time it happens. Don't allow yourself to 'play' the video. It is your own imagination which causes the fear.

* Try to keep yourself occupied. There is a lot going on with meals, drinks, films, duty free, etc. I do find it hard to concentrate on films, books or magazines, but I do try. I find the homeward flight much harder - night flight with less going on, a lot of people sleeping, and no WDW holiday to look forward to at the end of it!

<i>Finally, I strongly recommend getting yourself along to your GP and asking for some Diazepam. It relaxes you in much the same way as alcohol, but in a much more controlled way. The first time my GP prescribed 2mg doses (1 tablet 24 hours before the flight, one 12 hours before and one immediately before). It didn't have that big an effect, so ever since I have asked for 5mg doses. The leaflet which comes with them tells you not to drink alcohol, but my GP says that, although he wouldn't suggest it for long-term users, for my purposes a bit of alcohol will serve to enhance their effect.</i>

If you want to e-mail me with any questions, please feel free to do so. I don't think I'll ever totally conquer my fear, but I get better each time I fly. I hope you have a great holiday and a great flight. Do let us know how you got on when you get back.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

How to conquer your fear of flying - in this weekend's Sunday Telegraph Travel supplement.

If you can't get hold of a copy and would like one, PM me and I'll pop a copy in the post ASAP so you can read before you go.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Thanx Deb,
After reading that i feel abit more at ease.
As the time is nearing and im worrying over what i havent got,lol,its occupying my mind,but i find i sit here and the odd few minutes the fear starts to grow,but i am feeling abit more confident of the flight, it doesnt help when people say "they pity us on that long flight" etc that makes me feel ever worse,i wouldnt mind but the people who say that are the people who havent been anyway!!

I will let you all know,how it goes,fingers crossed.
The only person whos looking forward to it all is my 2year old daughter hehe so i dont want her to see me worrying and panicking like you all said otherwise she will pick it up,and thats something she doesnt need..

I'm really grateful for all the info,and help and support, i really reall appreciate it..im so glad i found the site, (thanx to bev)..

I'll post before we go,and when we get back

Thanx again
Beth & Family.

 

[Hellie]

Beth

I too am really frightened of flying and I have flown to America at least 20 times now, the way I get through the flight is to just think what is at the end of it and all the fun I will have whilst I am there. I know this sounds silly but it does help (me anyway).

When we take off and land I have to squeeze DH's hand really tight and have been known to draw blood, I also go deathly white and cannot speak for at least 20 mins after, so if I can do you will be able to.

We flew to New York last month and to be honest this was the most terrifying flight I have been on in a long time, for obvious reasons, but I made it and am back in one piece.

Good luck and I hope it goes well.

Helen

 

[Wellard Stallard]

I too am absolutely terrified of flying. I always seem to be worse on take-off. The last two flights I have been on (to Greece) after take off I get a weird sensation in my hands, I get pins and needles and a cramp like sensation, I couldn't hold anything. Really weird isn't it - I assume its because I feel intense panic - what if? I know it is ridiculous. Once we are up there I am normally not too bad. I try and keep myself occupied so the time goes quickly. This will be the longest flight I have ever been on when we go to WDW. I used to have a couple of alcoholic drinks to calm my nerves but I don't find that works anymore. Do most doctors give you Diazepam? I wonder if it is worth asking? Anyway it's nice to know I am not alone. My hubby thinks I'm daft. When we first met he used to be terrified as well, I don't know what's happened to him but he now loves it. Strange man )lol)

TTFN

 

[BevS97]

Hi Beth - I'm glad you found the site too, are you a Babyworlder?

You said it all in your statement here

i wouldnt mind but the people who say that are the people who havent been anyway!!

There are always people who will tell you, you shouldn't do this, and you mustn't do that, especially if you've got kids along with you.

I don't have a particular fear of flying, but i do get somewhat nervous on take-off, at landing I am usually so excited to be finally there that I don't mind too much.
Generally, I take a couple of very thick books and just stick my nose in there, but since I've had Katie I've found that doesn't seem to work so well! You will probably find that you are so busy keeping your dd occupied, and happy (visiting the loo for the 15th time...) that hopefully you will be distracted from your fears.

I don't know how many hours it was from Amsterdam, but it went more quickly then I expected, and see seemed to have plenty of presents left when we got there (I take enough presents for 1 per hour, my dd can understand that she has to wait for the hand to reach the top of my watch and she will get another one - it seems to work really well).

what I would really like to discover, is someway of getting her to go to sleep - on Sunday night, she finally fell asleep on the floor of the plane about 2 hours before we landed - then the stewerdess made me move her because kids aren't allowed to sleep on the floor apparantly (no idea why, she was only bothering me), and she even slept through me lifting her to a chair, strapping her in and landing. If she would have fallen asleep earlier, we would have had a very easy flight.

Have a good trip

Bev

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Yep I'm a fellow babyworlder hehe

I was told off my mother in law that she "pitied me" i thought why? i think this will be a fantastic holiday when we get there, its just getting there im worried about,i know it will be brilliant when we are there.
I'm Hoping dd (chelsea) will keep my mind occupied,and that will take my mind off everything!!, i think she will sleep too,she usually does in the car! but suppose the plane is different and more exciting...but our flight is early its at 10:25am,so we will leave around 06:30amish anyway,so shes not used to being up that early lol.

Ive got everything now,just need books,and a few things for her on the plane....

I think the taking off and landing parts are what make me worry,taking off because of all the noise and you can see the world getting smaller,and landing because i go deaf and my ears hurt lol, but ive got some ear planes this time so im getting prepared.

This holiday as soon come round we booked in january and now its 5days off!,we are very excited though...

Anyways enough of me rambling.
Thanx for all your kind messages.

Beth & Co xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[alexandra uk]

Deb - Would it still be okay to take the Diazipam if you've got to drive at the other end, and do they make you sleepy ?

72 to go

 

[Dave Cousins]

Your certainly not silly for feeling the way you do. Last week I turned down the opportunity for an all expenses paid trip to Tampa. Which included Business Class etc etc. The reason I turned it down was because I didn't want to fly, or be in America during Sept 11th. Now nothing actually happened so all would have been fine but the thought was horrible.

One thing my DW always says is...."You never hear about the thousands and thousands of planes that land safely every day" and she is so right. When we went on our honeymoon to Orlando we flew with virgin and we were on the plane called "Wild Thing". Three weeks later we were flying back on the same plane in the same seats. It suddently hit me that this plane would have been flying back and forth for 3 weeks so what am I so worried about.

I actually don't mind flying at all and I am not scared of heights, however even these things go through my mind. Its perfectly normal in my mind.

Have a great trip.
Dave

 

[UKDEB]

Alex,

They don't make me sleepy at all, but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't slow your reaction times in the same way as alcohol. Some people take them regularly though, so maybe the doses aren't high enough to affect you.

Sorry, I don't really know the answer. I'm going to the doc's for my supply tomorrow, though, so I'll ask the question.

 

[alexandra uk]

Thanks Deb

72 to go

 

[alexandra uk]

Deb
Did you get to the doctors after ?