Suggestions on fear of flying

[Brumeiser]

Are there any flyers out there that have flown and are clastiphobic? (sorry about spelling it is the fear of being in enclosed spaces). My wife company is sending her out to Vegas for a convention and are paying for her airfare and lodging and food. All we have to pay is for my airfare and rental car if I want to go out with her. Problem neither one has flown before and we are scared on trying flying. Is there anything my doctor can prescribe to help me get through this 4 hour flight? I used to be a roller coast phanatic but that was years ago and being 43 I am more hesitant in going especially after 9/11. I would love to hear anyone who has a fear of flying and how they overcame it. I really want to go because I have never been west of the Mississippi River and would love to go out to see Vegas and our side trip to the Grand Canyon. I don't want this fear to stop me from going. I would love to try this at least once so if we enjoy we could start flying down to Disney instead of the 18 hour drive. Thanks for any ideas and how to pack to fly.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have a hard time flying if I'm sitting way back in the plane. So, now I try to get as far front as I can. That has helped a lot. I especially like sitting in the very front row if I can. Then I can't see all those other people in front of me. THat really bothers me.

 

[ncbyrne]

My dr. has prescribed Xanax. It helped!

 

[Jacksmom99]

My sister in law is very afraid to fly. She tried a homeopathic remedy one year. It consisted of lavender oil and some relaxation techniques. I don't know, something she found on the internet. She claimed it worked well. Last weekend she flew to Disney with my MIL and as the plane started to take off, and SIL was getting upset, my MIL said...I've got really important news, Kim & Brian (me) are pregnant and it's a big shock and they don't know what to do!!! Well, we're not pregnant, MIL was just trying to keep her distracted. I thought it was a great story, but I don't know what she was going to do for the return trip. Anyway, my advice is to get the Xanax (or something like it) if you feel like you need it, but bring some distractions for the plane. A good book, a walkman with relaxing music, ect. I would try to mentally prepare yourself for the plane. Think of it as a fun adventure, opening your world up for more travel. Good luck!

 

[airhead]

I try to stay occupied. Its really all you can do. I'm planning on bringing ALL my Disney stuff(plans,maps,my Unofficial Guide,which I LOVE!) to look at. My SO hasn't seen any plans for our trip but is
fine with whatever I plan!! LOVE THAT......
So,just try to bring something that will keep your head busy!



airhead

 

[monarchsfan16]

Portable CD players/walkmen are a big help! Bring books, anything you can to keep occupied. Also try to avoid getting a seat over the wing. That does not help at all. I actually manage to get over the fear by looking out the windows. Seeing all the places I've never seen before really distracts me. It was great when we flew cross country because I had never been west of the Eastern Seaboard. Flying over the Great Lakes, Rockies and crop circles was really exciting for me and I was so busy trying to figure out what I was looking at and where we were made me just about forget I was on a plane.
I can understand the hesitancy about flying since 9/11. However, I really think that the new security is at least a step in the right direction. Things have improved since before 9/11.

 

[CBRorBust]

I hate to fly, so what I do is take a benadryl as soon as I get to the airport. By the time we board, I am starting to get really drowsy. I'll read for a little bit while we take off, but as soon as the plane levels, I am out! I sleep the whole way there. I just can't deal with the fact that I can't see what is going on in front of me. I think it's a control issue.

So like others, I would suggest doing stuff to occupy your time. A good book, magazines, a computer, music, etc.

 

[inkkognito]

I know that my brother would say Xanax, Xanax, Xanax! It is an anti-anxiety drug, but I've never used it for flying myself (it did help me with a major dental phobia, tho').
Personally, I can be a little claustrophobic too, so I make sure I sit on an aisle or, preferably, an exit row (many airlines let you select them in advance via online check-in). I don't even mind if I'm in the back of the plane, as long as it's a large area. On ATA's 757-300's, there is a bulkhead exit row in the high 30's that is HUGE!
I also am a firm believer in bringing books, portable CD player, portable DVD player, and hand-held games. They keep my mind off the flight and also come in handy in case of delays.
Lastly, you might want to check out www.fearofflyinghelp.com
It's a great site that explains the airworthiness of planes, what all those noises you might here are, etc. If you've never flown before, it would probably help you a lot to know that the strange sounds, jolts, etc. are normal.
Good luck!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Aisling]

1. fearofflyinghelp.com
2. sit in the front of the plane
3. Xanax

I am a very claustrophobic and potentially panicky flyer, but these 3 things help me immensely.

 

[Brumeiser]

I appreciate all of the feedback. I will know what to talk to the doctor about and I will have to check out the website. Thanks

 

[Beast fan]

Brumeiser........ I have had 2 "mild" panic attacks while flying.....the first in 1985 and the second (and hopefully last) this past May. Mind you, I had flown at least 15 times between attacks. I noticed that the attacks occurred while sitting on the same side (left) of the plane. I also noticed that, each time, I wasn't distracted during the flight (reading, talking, etc.). I did not let this past incident stop me from flying....... the family and I flew to Orlando (MCO) over New Year's, and I'm flying to Phoenix, AZ in March for a wedding.

I echo the advice of the others, especially sitting as far forward in the plane as monetarily feasible and bringing something to read. IMO, I wouldn't bring portable electronics (DVD, games, CD player), as you will - at least twice during the flight - be required to turn off those devices (which may bring about more apprehension).

BTW, I have flown out of the Toledo Airport once and loved it!

Best of luck and have fun on your trip!

Dave

 

[Harambe]

Xanax! My doctor gave me some for the flight. I took one about three hours before the plane took off and it really helped. I can't take many drugs, as they make me sick, but this was fine. I was a little drowsy, I ordered a nice white wine to sip, and put on a CD in my CD player (Lilo and Stich soundtrack!) and I was fine for the three hour flight!


The beefed up security (altho it takes time to get thru) also makes me feel better!

 

[Pumbaa_]

It is always a great idea to plan ahead, good for you!~ My DH has flying issues too. BUt he loves me enought o deal with it to take me 'home'.

He has valium for the anxiety. We found it is important to take them early! If he waits to long, the anxiety builds up tot he point it is not as effective. We usually fly late, between 7-8 pm. He takes the first one arounf 4:00 and a second one around 7 (it is a small dose and 2 is fine)

We also have a portable DVD player and we watched Nemo on our last flight down. It made the time go by much easier.

Good luck!

 

[valeriekc]

Planes now are safer than they have ever been...you are taking a bigger risk in driving to the airport and walking across the street than you are in boarding an aiplane. Planes are capable of withstanding more wind, turbulence, storms than you can imagine.
Having said that I would recommend going to your local library and reading some books on fear of flying.
Information is very powerful and can help overcome irrational fears and help you deal with the most common fear which is "lack of control".
Most people have a fear of that, as well as the fear of the unknown. Educate yourself and you will be able to deal with it much better.
There is nothing wrong with being afraid...however it is a mistake to do nothing about it.
I used to fly all the time and love it.
Then I had a incredibly turbulent flight and was very frightened to fly after that.
I used Xanax and calming music from there on and it helped a little but not as much as reading about flying and what turbulence is, what a commercial aircraft can withstand, flight safety etc..
Now I feel much better about flying than I have in years.

good luck!

 

[Brumeiser]

Well I booked the airline and I am going with my wife to Vegas. You all have given me such great suggestions they all have helped me. I knew I could count on this board to help me out. Who know I may like this enough for our Vegas trip in May that I may just reserve flights down to Disney in July this year. We will see on that. A 2 hour flight sounds much better than a 18 hour drive down. Especially with a one year old. Again thanks for the suggestions, I will have to make a appointment with my doctor and follow all of your suggestions.

 

[inkkognito]

A quick point about Xanax...you might want to take one a few days before your flight to see how long it takes to work. My brother feels the effects in 30 minutes, but when I took one to go to the dentist, it took a good hour. I am not a big "drug person," but I really liked it because I didn't feel tranquilized. It just took the edge off enough to prevent a panic attack.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com