Were flying I'm frightened. What

[daisy duck]

what would make it easier for us to get are mind off from the fear?

 

[druidia]

How about a portable DVD player and some of your favorite movies? It won't help during take off and landing because you aren't allowed to have it on, but it could for the flight duration.

 

[isis151miu]

I'm assuming this is your first time flying? It's really not as bad as you would think. Once you're up in the air you can't really even tell you're flying (unless you look out the window). I've been doing it ever since I was little.

When you've reached your terminal and are still waiting for your plane, go grab a couple magazines. I get about 3 or 4 and start reading them as soon as I'm buckled in. You could also bring a good book. Or you could do crossword puzzles, or plan out itineraries. You could also write in a journal- "the start of your trip". THe dvd player mentioned above is also a good idea. Or bring your ipod/ mp3 player and listen to music. I also always get gum- it helps with ear popping and relieves tension. I also grab a snack to bring on the plane for when you get hungry. The real key is to just relieve your anxiety- in whatever way works for you. I myself either bring a rum&coke or order one on the flight. (not that I'm saying you should drink) It just helps me relax. Just don't get any more than 1 or 2- alcohol has a stronger effect in the air.

Also remember that your fears are strictly mental, and that you can control them. You may want to look into relaxation techniques. I always remind myself that flying is safer than driving

 

[rickandcindy23]

I do not like rides with big drops and fast turns, but flying has none of that. I cannot ride Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, the list goes on and on. I won't go on any of these crazy rides, but I will take an airplane confidently and without nervousness at all. Flying on an airplane actually makes me feel safe.

I have flown at least 50 times and feel very comfortable with planes. I was scared my first two or three flights, but I have learned to relax. Occasionally, a plane will hit an air pocket that will bounce the plane, but most of the time such turbulence is minor. The interesting thing about clouds is that they really are full of moisture and are kinda like speed bumps in the sky. If you think of those bumps that way, you will be able to relax. I think of clouds as light and fluffy, but here those clouds are, bumping the plane.

As far as the incidents on 9/11 are concerned: There were 1 1/2 million people in the skies above the United States at the same time that the terrorists were on those few planes. Not a big percentage of those people that were in the air actually were on those planes. The chances of being on one of those planes, if you were in the air at the time, was still astronomical.

I am a big chicken, so I hope this helps you.

 

[faindrops27]

Aww, Daisy duck, I am sorry you feel apprehensive, about flying. The above posts. Have such great ideas. The only thing I could add . Is just dont worry about it. Think of how much fun you will have in disney!! Focus your mind on the positive. Relax as best you can. If you are flying with others, talk to them about disney, not the plane. Just keep thinking positive, and like the other poster said you cant really feel like you are flying. so, pretend you are not. Nothing will happen, you will get to disney, and back home safely. Have a magical trip!!

 

[SamIAm21]

This is an excellent course and helped me feel more comfortable with flying. I fly four to five times a year now and it's no big deal.

One fact in the course that always reassures me is no plane in the history of avionics has crashed simply due to turbulence. So, when you hit those bumpy clouds, just take a deep breath and relax.

http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/

 

[SuzeyCruisey]

Hi, I am not a frequent flyer, but I have flown several times and I understand what you are going through. People always tell me that it is the safest form of travel, my fear is irrational, etc. but that does not help me at all. My husband always buys me magazines to read, bought me an iPod and loaded it with songs and audioBooks, brings portable DVD player, and nothing works for me. I get up in the air and I cannot concentrate on anything besides what is going on around me and the sounds/sensations I hear and feel.

Before our honeymoon to Tahiti a couple of years ago, I found an online course run by an airline pilot, found at fearofflyinghelp (dot) com. It is free to take the course online, or there is an audio course you can download, I think it is $10 or so, and then you have the mp3 files stored forever, which is helpful if you want to listen to them while in the air. Just so you know, I am not associated with the website or the creator of the course in any way, but it did help me a great deal. Capt. Stacey goes through all the different stages of flight, and even has audio clips of noises you might hear while in flight, or taking off/landing, and explains what is happening and how all the noises are normal. His section on turbulance was a huge help to me.

Sorry for rambling, but I totally understand the fear. Take a look at that website. It helped me a lot--I am still nervous, but it's not the paralyzing fear I used to have.

Good luck!

 

[ukwildcat]

I think the above suggestions are excellent. I have another suggestion, however.

My MIL does not fly. No way about it. She won't fly. Call it a phobia, irrational fear, whatever. She just won't fly.

Well, DW and I live fairly far away from them, and when DS was born they had to see their first grandchild.

She still wouldn't fly. I suggested she talk to her physician. He prescribed a low does of Valium to help with the anxiety. It really helped.

Now, I will be the first to say that unneccessary medication is just that, unneccessary. I'm a chiropractor, and I am fairly conservative as far as healthcare is concerned.

I do feel, however, that the Valium was the best choice for my MIL. Good luck with your flight.

 

[kkevcamsmom]

For me the worst part is taking off and landing during the winter only, Non winter flying I have no problems with though. I take my MP3 player and listen to my favorite music right before (anything by U2!!!). It's a small thing but it helps. I will also read, sometimes getting into a good book before taking off helps. We will be flying out of the mid-west in January so I am already preparing myself for the ice and such. I do have 3 kids to occupy my time and distract me though. I put on a brave happy face for them. Two of my kids have flow before the youngest will be on a plane for the first time.

Also let the flight attendant know you are afraid of flying, they can help by letting you know what they will be doing and when.

The first time I flew was to Germany from the USA. WOW let me tell you that was a long flight I was terrified of the what if's, but there are what if's in daily life. I kind of had to face my fear head on, since we couldn't just pull over while crossing the ocean...lol Since then I have LOVED flying. I am more worried about crashing when we drive on vacation then when we are in the air, taking off and landing.

If you still don't think you can handle it I'd suggest what ukwildcat did. My mom takes one when she gets within 45 mins of her flight, otherwise she would never fly anywhere.

Good luck!

Lori

 

[AllyCatTapia]

Xaxnax (prescription only)
St. Johns Wort (helath store- three the night before, three in the AM)
Wine (my personal favorite)
Or, you can take some tylenol PM and conk out

 

[graygables]

Xaxnax (prescription only)
St. Johns Wort (helath store- three the night before, three in the AM)
Wine (my personal favorite)
Or, you can take some tylenol PM and conk out

Xanax: can make you too sleepy to function on the other end.

St John's Wort: increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache. It also interferes with the absorption of several meds, including BCPs.

Wine: never the smart choice. Alcohol and air travel do NOT mix. The body metabolizes it differently in the air and tipsy passengers are a hazard to everyone on board.

Tylenol PM: can make you REALLY sleepy and it's not a happy thing to have to have a crew brought to carry you off board.

Distractions are the best thing (laptop, DVD players, starting a trip report/journal, reading a book). Also, practice some visualizaton techniques with deep breathing. Close your eyes and picture yourself on your favorite attraction, then breathe as deeply as you can, slowly releasing the air. Once you get over your initial anxiety, chances are, you'll be fine.

 

[4chitlins]

what would make it easier for us to get are mind off from the fear?

I flew in Febuary for the first time in about 25 years. We flew Jet Blue and they have t.v.'s I have to say that watching it definately took my mind off of the fact that I was in an airplane. Was so not scary that we're going back in Oct.

 

[maddhatir]

Hey Daisy Duck-- did you not like the answers all of us gave you before??

we were just trying to get you drunk, doped up and listening to Pink Floyd.....


but in case you forgot this is my suggestion!

try this cocktail--- 2 ativan (5mgs) a shot of vodka and put on your headphones with some Pink Floyd--- gets me thru the flight everytime.

 

[daisy duck]

You guys do got good answers but i cant drink, im flying with my 16 teen year old, by my self, and she wont let me drink, only soda. but thank you. i just hope they have a t.v on flight.or i will just pass out.its o.k. my dd can cary me off the first time, and hopfuly she wont be to tired to take me off the second time around.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I always get nervous flying

once I sat next to a psychologist and he was very sweet and talked me through the entire flight - telling me the key was to breath deeply and everytime I got really nervous was to think of the happiest time of my life - that helps me -

but last year - I heard a statistic that really changed my attitude about flying

each year - on average 1500 people die in car accidents that chose to drive instead of flying to their destination - I can't find a link to this statistic but I will keep looking for it

the last major airline crash in the united states was 12/11/2001!!! It is definately safer to fly!!

http://www.scaruffi.com/politics/aircrash.html

 

[maddhatir]

You guys do got good answers but i cant drink, im flying with my 16 teen year old, by my self, and she wont let me drink, only soda. but thank you. i just hope they have a t.v on flight.or i will just pass out.its o.k. my dd can cary me off the first time, and hopfuly she wont be to tired to take me off the second time around.

Daisy duck- thats OK- i just want to warn you of ME!! and dont take any advice me!

i am told on a regular basis by a few poeple that i am like that little devil that sits on your shoulder and says "go ahead-- do it--- it will be fun!- who cares!"

 

[daisy duck]

thank you

 

[daisy duck]

you little devil, haha its o.k. at lest you have some humor.

 

[Teacher03]

We just flew to Disney, and I also have a fear of flying. It takes all my courage to even think about it. Two things helped me-the fear of flying online course that others have mentioned and a prescription (can't remember what) from my doctor. I can't believe the difference. I wasn't sleepy or drowsy when we got there, but I was relatively calm while flying. Good luck, I know you can do it.

 

[Belle'seviltwin]

Hey Daisy Duck-- did you not like the answers all of us gave you before??

we were just trying to get you drunk, doped up and listening to Pink Floyd.....


but in case you forgot this is my suggestion!

try this cocktail--- 2 ativan (5mgs) a shot of vodka and put on your headphones with some Pink Floyd--- gets me thru the flight everytime.

For those of us who can't drink, I always get a good book, make sure I'm really tired so I can sleep, and bring my ipod with storybooks on it. If all else fails, just think about the amazing trip that you're about to enjoy!