34 years old and never stepped foot on a plane. I'm absolutely terrified to do it and I get nervous just from dropping someone off/picking them up at the airport. Around Memorial Day, I will be flying (from NC to MI) for the first time and I'm already freaking out. I started sweating just when my SO and I were talking about flying vs. driving 16 hours.
Aside from counseling/drugs (though I'm sure I'll need nerve pills before boarding), how do you overcome the fear or prepare yourself? My friends/coworkers have told me millions of times that there's nothing to it, it's safer than driving, it's so much quicker than driving, I'll love it, etc. I understand all of that but I don't think a frequent air traveler can possibly understand my range of emotions when it comes to boarding a plane. When you've spent 34 years terrified to do it, it's just not as easy as saying "oh, there's nothing to it!" I'm already worried that I'll freak out and be escorted off the plane, which I certainly don't want to happen. Hell, I don't even know what my actual fear is other than crashing I suppose. And I'm sure the lack of control I'll have plays a huge role as well.
Any tips, advice or suggestions for the time leading up to the flight and just before taking off? Are there any places for the public, where you can get in a simulator so I'll know what to expect in terms of sounds, vibrations, movements, seating, etc.? I just don't know what to expect so very common turbulence could be something that totally wigs me out.
Aside from counseling/drugs (though I'm sure I'll need nerve pills before boarding), how do you overcome the fear or prepare yourself? My friends/coworkers have told me millions of times that there's nothing to it, it's safer than driving, it's so much quicker than driving, I'll love it, etc. I understand all of that but I don't think a frequent air traveler can possibly understand my range of emotions when it comes to boarding a plane. When you've spent 34 years terrified to do it, it's just not as easy as saying "oh, there's nothing to it!" I'm already worried that I'll freak out and be escorted off the plane, which I certainly don't want to happen. Hell, I don't even know what my actual fear is other than crashing I suppose. And I'm sure the lack of control I'll have plays a huge role as well.
Any tips, advice or suggestions for the time leading up to the flight and just before taking off? Are there any places for the public, where you can get in a simulator so I'll know what to expect in terms of sounds, vibrations, movements, seating, etc.? I just don't know what to expect so very common turbulence could be something that totally wigs me out.