Terrified to fly....

[meloneyb21]

It will be my first time flying when we go to WDW in April and I am absolutley terrified.......Does anyone have any encouraging words for me? Do I really have anything to worry about? I'm thinking about taking Southwest.....are they good?

 

[DebbieB]

I heard last week the odds of being in an airplane accident is 1 in 5 million per takeoff. That sounds pretty good to me. As they always say, you are in much more danger in the car riding to the airport. Just think of the millions who fly safely everyday. I flew over 40 flights this year and had nothing even remotely happen that would make me question flying. I even chose flying in a 34 seat prop vs driving 6 hours.

 

[WillCAD]

I love to fly. To me, it's part of the alure of vacation, doing something I don't do ordinarily.

Southwest is great, but you should be prepared for their "general admission" seating style.

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

I don't like to fly either but being scared for a 2 hour flights beats driving for 16 hours (one way)!

I always get a Xanax prescription from my doctor before we leave for a trip. I'm not totally relaxed but it sure takes the edge off. The last couple of years we've been lucky and gotten non-stop flights but for our October 2006 trip we have one stop flying down and one stop flying back home. I'm not looking forward to taking off/landing 4 times but I'll just focus on something else and pray for smoooooth sailing!

Southwest doesn't have the option of selecting your seat at the time of purchase - you enter the plane in groups ("pre-board", "A", "B", "C") and sit in the available seats. I like to know that I will definitely be seated with DH & DD so I booked our flight on Delta and have our seats reserved together.

Debbie

 

[meloneyb21]

What do you mean by "general admission" seating?

 

[rie'smom]

I also am afraid to fly but I do it anyway have been for about 40 years ever since I was a child. Concentrate on the great time that you'll have once you arrive. Read a book on the plane- a John Grisham or something like that. Light but engrossing enough to make the time fly. It helps me. If you're petrified,take a Dramamine-I've heard people do that to relax them-I haven't so I can't speak from experience. It will be ok. I'll be with you in spirirt!!! Southwest is a great airline company-the planes are safe and the staff are very nice.

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

What do you mean by "general admission" seating?

You don't select your seats when you purchase your tickets - it's general seating. You can check-in on the SW website 24 hours before your departure time or when you arrive at the airport. Passengers are assigned a group in order of check-in. The first batch of passengers to check-in are assigned Group "A" and that group gets to board first (note: Group "A" gets to board after the "Pre-Boards"-handicapped, passengers with small children). Then Group "B" and then Group "C". So, if you get in the "B" or "C' group there's a chance your entire party may not be seated together.

Debbie

 

[localdriver]

It will be my first time flying when we go to WDW in April and I am absolutley terrified.......Does anyone have any encouraging words for me? Do I really have anything to worry about? I'm thinking about taking Southwest.....are they good?

Yes I do.

The most dangerous part of your trip is your drive to the airport.

Southwest is the best of the best.

RELAX and enjoy the greatest sensation known to mankind.

 

[CleveRocks]

Air travel is MUCH safer than driving. When an airline accident does occur, it makes INTERNATIONAL NEWS for about 2-3 days. Traffic accidents where people are "merely" injured usually don't even make the news, and traffic fatalities make the LOCAL news for less than a day. If there's a plane crash in Iran we know about it immediately. But when 4 teens die wrapped around a telephone pole you don't know about it unless it happened in your very local area.

50,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents in the USA every year. 50,000! That's like the crowd at Magic Kingdom on a moderately busy day. Did anyone die in domestic commercial plane crashes in 2005? I don't know, but I agree with localdriver, you are taking more risk getting to and from the airport than you are in the air. You do it every day and don't even think about it. I hear some people say, "Yeh, but when I drive I'm in control, and I hate feeling our of control when someone else is flying the airplane." Well, that you are in control while driving is only partially true. You are NOT in control of someone bashing into you because they're drunk, tired, angry, inattentive or stupid.

I look forward to flying. It's safe. It's kind of magical, you can FLY!

Enjoy your trip!

-- Eric

 

[canwegosoon]

I have over 100 flights under my belt. I love to fly. Is everything perfect, and every flight smooth as silk? No. But way safer than driving, and very fast. I like larger planes, but I have flown in 6 seaters too. I would bring something to take your mind off the take off and landing. Video or music is great, bring gum to chew on takeoff, and have a great time. Dress comfortably and do not wear stockings.

 

[Donna]

i used to hate flying. i wasn't terrified but i just didn't like it. For some reason, i feel safer now than ever. Since 9/11, security is so much better and we are safer than ever. a pilot will tell you, the planes practically fly themselves , they're so modern and state of the art. I take a book or magazine/newspaper and usually doze off while reading it. Before you know it, you are there. If it makes you feel better, take something to relax you (medication) since it's your first flight. The more you fly, the more you will like it. On airtran, they have the free XM radio and that really makes time fly (no pun intended ) . Not sure what southwest offers but i heard they're great to fly with. Good Luck and don't let it ruin your trip!

 

[puffkin]

I wouldn't fly Southwest on your first flight!

Their "cattle herding" policy is very stressful in my opinion. I wouldn't want to worry about having to deal with that along with the stress of a first flight. Pick an airline where you can either pick your seats at booking or at least at check in.

I like Airtran. Their planes are new and they have the XM radio that someone else mentioned. Plus, you can pick your seats at check in and their prices are reasonable.

 

[jimmiej]

I hear some people say, "Yeh, but when I drive I'm in control, and I hate feeling our of control when someone else is flying the airplane." Well, that you are in control while driving is only partially true. You are NOT in control of someone bashing into you because they're drunk, tired, angry, inattentive or stupid.

Another thought: The persons flying your plane have more training in how to safely handle an emergency than you do driving your car. I feel at ease on an airplane knowing professional pilots are taking me safely to my destination.

 

[cruiserkaren]

I used to be terrified of flying. I always had a white knuckle grip on the arm rests. Now I don't enjoy it, but it's not anything near what it was. I found that the more I did it, the easier it got. Every flight I took was a little easier than the previous one.

I love SWA. I have only flown them once so far, but just last week booked another trip with them. Everyone has different opinions. An above poster said they love AirTran and to check with them. I flew AirTran last May (out of IND) and it was by far the worst airplanes I have been on. There were several seats torn and the trays had been written on and scratched intials on them. It was a dump, on the way down and the way back.

I doubt that is going to be your concern though! Just getting through it will be a big enough task. Just remember to breathe evenly and remain calm. Your signature shows that you have a DD. She may get upset if she sees or senses you being upset. I know that helps with me. Anytime I have to "be strong" for my DD makes it a bit easier. Good luck!

 

[inkkognito]

Check out www.fearofflyinghelp.com

It's a great site for apprehensive flyers.

Barb

 

[NJBILL]

I do not like to fly, and my kids love to travel on trains. We have taken Amtrak to Fla two times, and will be doing it this summer again. Not as quick as flying, but better than driving.....check it out.. it could work for you...

 

[EjandMD]

USE IT! Let's face it your life will be so much better if you get over this fear. I read this website and loved it!!!! In fact I was going to suggest it until I read the previous poster. Have a great time!