Worried About Travelling...

[Big Disney Fan]

I'm due to fly out to WDW at the start of February, for 3 weeks, but with all that's going on at the moment, I'm really nervous about travelling. It's really putting a 'dampener' on my trip, and I'm trying not to let my kids see how I'm feeling. Am I being ridiculous? Does anyone else share my fears?

I'd love to hear from you.

 

[WDWfan uk]

No you are not being ridiculous at all! Post Sept 11th, many people have gone through the same feelings as you and many have posted about it, and a lot of us have felt the same way. I've flown over the Atlantic and back three times this year and have had to deal with these feelings particularly when I flew with AA to New York, although I don't usually have a fear of flying - but you know what? You see the thousands of people from all over the world at the airports arriving and departing, watch the planes taking off and arriving constantly and realise this is going on in hundreds of airports daily throughout the world and it puts it into some perspective.
It doesn't get rid of the anxiety but when I was getting those worried thoughts, I used these arguments in my head to overcome it.
It is good to discuss how you feel and talk your feelings through.
Are you usually afraid of flying or is it just the current circumstances that are concerning you?

 

[Big Disney Fan]

Originally posted by WDWfan,uk
You see the thousands of people from all over the world at the airports arriving and departing, watch the planes taking off and arriving constantly and realise this is going on in hundreds of airports daily throughout the world and it puts it into some perspective.

Are you usually afraid of flying or is it just the current circumstances that are concerning you?

Thanks for your (sensible) reply.

I never had a fear of flying - flew transAtlantic solo many times, and internally in the States too. However, it's only in recent years (since I had kids, I think), that I've had these fears!

Anyway, I'll try not to let it spoil my trip - for the kids sake, if not my own! (I just hope that Bush won't have gone into Iraq before I go, as I'll probably have to cancel... will I?)

 

[WDWfan uk]

..... I definitely think the children have something to do with your feelings! I know in the midst of my internal panic when taking off from JFK, I just kept thinking of them and their safety, and I was gripping my younger son's hand so tightly, he has told me that it hurt.. but he didn't mention it at the time! You know why? He said - I knew you were scared so I didn't like to say anything! I ask you, who was looking after who ?

 

[Julia Ann]

Me and my boyfriend travelled to disney 3 weeks after sept 11 and tried to cancel it because we were scared of flying/spoilt disney atmosphere. The travel agent would let us change or get refund so would have lost the whole of the holiday cost (i'm not made of money so didn't fancy that) all of our family said they didn't want us to go also, which didn't help.
Anyway we went and although I'm not a nervous flyer, my boyfriend is but the flight went extremely well and security was high but reassuring. I had nervous butterflies right until we got to our hotel room. We didn't regret it at all and had the most amazing time (better than when we previously went in 95). Police on every park entrance can seem a bit daunting but they were really friendly (having an easy day!) We did have to phone home a lot more than normal just to reassure everybody that everything was ok, and also cos the anthrax in florida scare started whilst we were there. The americans were so grateful of us being there (especially in the parks - we all need jobs!)
Try not to worry, you will have a fantastic time - I think everybody is a little weary of going anywhere these days - but don't let the damn terrorists rule your life - you only have one!!! HAVE FUN!

ENJOY
Julia

 

[Mowgli]

"...but don't let the damn terrorists rule your life - you only have one!!! HAVE FUN!"
Well said Julia! Totally endorse your sentiments!
I've already been on long haul flights three times this year - and have felt totally safe.
Hope you have a great time.....

 

[Big Disney Fan]

Once again, thank you all - I'm taking your advice on board (eeew! please excuse the non-intended pun!), and I'm getting on the plane that'll take me to FUN-LAND!!!!!

 

[Rain]

Hi,
Can I suggest that you take a look at the message board at SOAR fear of flying forum, there are lots of helpful people there and also a couple of pilots who will re-assure you