what to expect when you fly ???

[ANTSS2001]

have not been on a plane for a while now ... '94 to go visit home and Disneyland... and due to gas prices... flying is the way to go.. now what do I need to expect/do.. help am hyperventilating !!!

 

[faindrops27]

Listen, you will be fine. Just think you will be there in a little over 2 hours. Just keep thinking about how much fun you are going to have, in orlando. Take a book , some word puzzles or some form of entertainment just for you. A portable dvd player? Or a handheld game. Can surely pass the time. Before you know it you will be landing in Orlando. Just take a deep breath, and relax. You will be fine. No worries Just think you wont have to drive for 20+ plus hours. I surely wish you a magical vacation!!!

 

[ANTSS2001]

Listen, you will be fine. Just think you will be there in a little over 2 hours. Just keep thinking about how much fun you are going to have, in orlando. Take a book , some word puzzles or some form of entertainment just for you. A portable dvd player? Or a handheld game. Can surely pass the time. Before you know it you will be landing in Orlando. Just take a deep breath, and relax. You will be fine. No worries Just think you wont have to drive for 20+ plus hours. I surely wish you a magical vacation!!!

thank you for your kind words... I do need a booster... this is really giving me a clammy feeling

 

[mickman1962]

talk to your doctor, they have some really nice pills now thet let me get back on a plane.

 

[zuzu310]

You will be fine. My mom is scared to fly but we fly out tomorrow. It is only a 2 hour flight and the worst thing for her is the take-off (doesn't like the speed) She just closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and holds my hand if necessary. After that it's so smooth you hardly know you are up there. She does crosswords and listens to her favorite music. As I always remind her, "They are getting ready to drop the landing gear out. Don't freak out on me. That loud noise you are about to hear is very good " Remember you really are safer in a plane than in your car.

 

[Chicago526]

Look, if you can handle riding Spacd Mountain or RnRC, then flying is a peice of cake! You just go up, cruise for a few hours, and then land.

Don't let security bother you either, most TSA agents are nice (or at least not mean), just follow their directions. You may need to remove your shoes for x-ray, so if you can try to wear shoes you can get on/off with out too much trouble. Keep your photo id handy, they will check it right before you go through security. Once you get to the gate, you shouldn't need the id anymore so put it safely away.

For more info on what to expect at the airport for security screenings, go to www.tsa.gov and look around, they have lots of helpful info.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

We have never been on a plane and will be Oct 21st for the first time and I am petrified.I went to the DR yesterday and he gave me 1mg Ativan.He gave me 20 so I could try and see how they make me feel before we go.

 

[Melisa1]

Hi!

There is a website called www.fearofflying.com that might help you out. Go to the message board and read what other fearful flyers have written. There is even a free lesson on the website that will teach you some relaxation exercises.
Good Luck!

 

[bavaria]

You may also want to read this thread, which will help you to know what to expect at the airport...

Navigating the Airport

 

[christygobar]

I find that one (yes, just one!) glass of wine or mixed drink, and a portable DVD player works wonders. If the person next to you looks nice and chatty, talk to them. If you can't do the DVD player (laptops work just as well), even some sort of headphones and music can do wonders to relax you. I like magazines rather than books because I seem to concentrate on the lighter, shorter articles more. Skymall is always a fun read as well

I'm a nervous flyer, but not petrified. I try to do whatever I can to relax myself including walking up and down the aisles if the seatbelt sign is off, and before you know it, you're back on the ground!

This is how I think of a two hour flight:

1) Board
2) Climb to altitude, level off
3) attendants bring drinks/snack
4) attendants clean up drinks/snack
5) restroom break
6) seatbelt sign on
7) come back down for landing!

Simple, eh? hehe Good luck! You're goin to Disney World!

 

[Hannahsmom]

Repeat after me........Xanax is my friend. I got some Xanax from my doctor before our cruise (we HAD to fly to Ft. Lauderdale for embarkation) and it really helped a lot. I even decided to fly to Orlando for our upcoming trip. We have never flown to WDW, but for me I would rather have 9 days at disney and 5 (total) hours in the plane, than to have 5 days at disney and 4 days in the car. You can do this!

 

[KLAIT]

I agree, Xanax is a very good friend to take along on a flight!

 

[Buzzfanmom]

I totally know how you feel!
I am terrified to fly, I have been ever since I had kids. Anyway, I am able to get a prescription for .5 mg of Ativan which helps me on days before the flight. The day of the flight- I take 2 about 1/2 hour before we fly.
I have to act like I am fine because I don't want my kids to be scared too.
I have only had one bad experience on a plane that was very turbulent. I will not let that experience prevent me from enjoying a vacation with my family. I try not to give into fear even though it is overwhelming at times.
We are trying Song airlines this time because they have little TV's on teh headrests in front of each passenger. I am hoping this will make our next flight a little easier.
Just do your best, get a prescription if you need one or even counseling.
And just lean on your husband as much as you need to! He'll take care of you. My hubby does a wonderful job handling everyone.

 

[Rowlf]

First of all, keep in mind that flying is WAY safer than driving, statistically. Logically, you should be much more afraid driving to the grocery store than flying!

What to expect:

Either wear shoes that you KNOW don't have metal in them (like flip-flops) or take your shoes off and put them through the machine when you go through security. If you have a laptop, you'll need to take that out and run it through separately as well.

Listen for your group or row number and board at the right time.

When you get on the plane, step into your row before putting your bag in the luggage compartment if at all possible. This will make you VERY popular with frequent fliers. Also, please, please, please don't put small things like hats and jackets and tote bags up in the overhead space. Those things should go under the seat in front of you and suitcases should go overhead.

There are very few pillows and blankets on board any planes any more, so take your own if you want them. I'd also recommend taking a bottle of water since the flight attendents will usually only give you a small amount and may not be able to give you any at all if the seat belt sign is on.

That said, enjoy! It will be okay!

 

[maxiesmom]

Do go to the fear of flying link! I did this before my last flight and it helped alot! That and some buspar did wonders!

 

[jeminni]

xanax about a 1/2 hour before you board the plane.

 

[Servants of Evan]

Just think for a moment -- these pilots have been flying for thousands and thousands of hours in their careers. Considering an average flight is 2-5 hours, that means they've done this 1000s of times. Besides all the day-to-day flying they do, they also get pretty constant work-ups in the simulator. There they can practice what to do when everything doesn't go as planned. The point of that is they need to practice it in the simulator because it doesn't typically happen in real life. They are professionals -- They know what they are doing. Relax and enjoy the ride.

Servants of Evan

 

[ANTSS2001]

Ok I made an appointment with my primary doc tomorrow... xanax.. ativan... whatever I can my hands on... for the past 48 hours I got this clummy feeling...which I know will not get any better.... thanks for all the support....

 

[birdiesunshine]

Happy pills!!! Xanax is my friend. My doc prescribes me 1mg which is a pretty nice dose, it makes me feel like I'm in lala land! Good luck. you will do just fine.