Fear of flying

[49erinnc]

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.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

In for people being toolboxes and frightening him. :beer:

- M4H

 

[Juno]

seeking a hypnotist?

 

[Brainonska511]

Just relax. Think of it like riding a train (or something else that is mundane).

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Tell the stewardess that it's your first flight, and ask if she can sit next to you.

- M4H

 

[slatr]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
In for people being toolboxes and frightening him. :beer:

- M4H

You are a freakin' mind reader! However, I am resisting the temptation since he genuinely seems afraid.

 

[FoBoT]

what are you actually afraid of?


crashing?

dieing?

not being in control?

confined in a small space?

being up in the air 7 miles?

breathing other peoples air?

or what?

 

[AnyMal]

Go buy a pair of eye pillows (I think that's what they're called) and a pair of noise cancelling headphones. This should help.

 

[Queasy]

Find something to distract yourself with. Book, DS or PSP, movie, whatever.

 

[iamwiz82]

My father is afraid of flying and because of that missed our wedding. I cannot see allowing a fear control my life, but it obviously affects people differently.

 

[kindest]

flying never used to bother me and now i hate it..
i always worry more before then the actual flight tho.
generally it's super stable ride.. plane shakes less then driving on the road.
a couple times you might get a little bump but no biggie. just make sure you get a window seat and stare at the ground.. its not bad at all.

 

[PHiuR]

take some happy pills before the plane takes off.

 

[slatr]

I would have a couple of drinks if it bothers you.

Just don't go too far on the alcohol, you can get kicked off the plane if you act up.

 

[Umberger]

the feeling is not really anything terribly different than things you have experienced before. there is substantial acceleration on takeoff, but nothing more than you'd see in a reasonably fast car. turbulence is AT WORST the feeling you get in your stomach when you go up and over a quick hill in a car. when the plane turns, the plane banks such that your apparent gravity is still straight into your seat (i.e. they don't go slinging you around sideways). landing is just like hitting a speed bump in a car, followed by moderate braking.

you'll do fine. let us know how it goes.


EDIT: oh, and there's a slight pressure change during ascent/descent. i chew gum during those parts of the flight to keep my sinuses open and help equalize the pressure in my ears.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: slatr
I would have a couple of drinks if it bothers you.

Just don't go too far on the alcohol, you can get kicked off the plane if you act up.

yes, they can deny you boarding if you are drunk, watch "Airline" on cable TV, they keep drunk people off planes all the time.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Tell the stewardess that it's your first flight, and ask if she can sit on your lap.

- M4H

:thumbsup:

 

[zinfamous]

Originally posted by: slatr

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
In for people being toolboxes and frightening him. :beer:

- M4H

You are a freakin' mind reader! However, I am resisting the temptation since he genuinely seems afraid.

must resist...must...resiiiist...oh fvck it.

Those noises as the plane idles on the tarmac before take-off are not normal. they are a sign that the wings will fall off mid-flight. If this happens, It is best to stand and run screaming through the isle as others are trying to board. Remember, you are the only one that can hear these noises, and therefore must alert others to the iminent danger.

But seriously, I fly a decent amount and I don't really like it that much, either. I drink a lot of water and read. If someone else is flying with you, or you chat up the stranger sitting next to you, this could be a helpful distraction.
The noises are normal. Turbulence can be nerve-racking, but I've only experienced 3 or 4 trips where it seemed especially bad. I have friends that are more terrified of flying than I am, and alcohol seems to work for them...

Best bet is to go BA Barackas style, and have someone knock your lights out so that you're passed-out during the entire flight. GL

 

[ksaajasto]

sit in the bathroom the whole time... that would be sure to piss some people off. lol

once you get through you will think "why was i worried about that"? thats the way it was for me at least.

peace
KS

 

[anxi80]

just watch some movies beforehand to deal with it. ive never seen any of these titles but they all sound like upbeat, fun flying movies:

- alive
- fearless
- airplane!

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
In for people being toolboxes and frightening him. :beer:

- M4H

 

[Hannover]

Get some Valium or something else to chill you out before the flight.

These days, being nervous in the airport is just an invitation for a body cavity search.

I've never been scared of flying but It's still one of my least favorite things to do. I hate the lines, the people, the cramped seats, the lost luggage...

 

[Pepsi90919]

it will be the best time of your life

 

[Canai]

Put the plane on a treadmill?

 

[bignateyk]

The only time I ever really worry is during takeoff and landing.. during the actual flight im very relaxed.

You just have to look at the statistics.. there is a MUCH lower chance of dieing on that plane ride than every time you step into a car. I think what bothers most people is that the there is no middle ground in terms of an accident. If something goes wrong, you die, whereas in a car, most of the time an accident isnt fatal.

But statistically, there is a MUCH greater chance of getting killed in a car.

Heres some advice though...

If you are really afraid, and want to do something about it, get some books on commercial aviation (the kind people use to study for pilots license, etc..). You will learn alot in those that will put your mind at ease. For example, the wings of a 747 can bend almost vertically before they break, so if you look out the window and see them bouncing up and down a few feet in the turbulance, dont worry about it at all.

Likewise, it is perfectly normal for it to sound like the plane's engines have shut off mid-flight. This is because they are required to slow down at certain times to let other planes pass.

Also, it is possible for a plane as large as a 747 to fly with only one working engine.

Its facts like these that will put your mind at ease while flying

 

[JulesMaximus]

Flying is extremely safe and airplanes are very robust in the amount of stress they'll handle.

I'd seek the help of a therapist though to help you overcome your fear of flying if you don't think you can handle the anxiety you're feeling.

Edit-Whatever you do don't watch any of those airline survival or crash stories on A&E or Discovery channel between now and the day of your flight. Remember, those accidents are extremely rare.

 

[zeruty]

:music:He waited his whole damn life
to take that flight!
and as the plane crashed down
he thought: "well isn't this nice":music: