Fear of flying

[Rapidskies]

Well they want you to think flying is safe, but the numbers they use to calculate the deaths over miles traveled aren't fair. To make a fair comparison they really should calculate how many deaths per HOUR you see in a plane versus a car. They are much closer death rates if you look at it that way. Also if a car breaks down or you crash at least you have a good chance of walking away from the accident. In a plane if something breaks down or you crash your dead, unless of course the airlines have perfected that head down safety crash position. Here are some stats in deaths over miles traveled, just calculate them out to time spent in a vehicle and you will see there really isn't anything such as safe travel, especially in a freaking tin box 30,000 ft up in the air:

http://www.geocities.com/dtmcbride/travel/train-plane-car.html

Have a great trip!

 

[preslove]

Considering your level of anxiety related to flying, getting some valium isn't a bad, or ethically problematic, idea. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist, tell him the issue & get a small scrip for xanax or valium. 4 or 5 doses of a benzo aren't going to have any negative effects. Once you make it through the experience you'll see that it ain't a big deal and you probably will be able to fly again without medication.

 

[Juno]

Originally posted by: mugs

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

- M4H

:thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

 

[Ausm]

Get loaded.


Ausm

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: bignateyk
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.

That's usually my rebuttal when someone gives me the "driving is safer than flying" logic. For me, I know I'm at a greatest risk of crashing in a car as I commute to/from work every day. But, the odds of it being fatal are pretty slim. Not to mention, I have an element of control. Sure, someone could swerve into my lane and hit me head-on, with no time for me to react. But it's just a feeling of comfort I have knowing my hands are on the wheel and my feet are on the pedals. But in a plane, you forfeit all of that and put your fat e into the hands of someone else, not to mention a big hunk of metal which soars several thousand feet in the air.

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?

Definitely crashing/dying. I'm also terrified of heights, though I'm sure it's surreal at those types of heights and not so much of an issue. And definitely the lack of control and tight spaces. I'm not claustrophobic unless being confined is tied into another fear. i.e.: I could climb into a sewer pipe and lay there alone for hours but if there was a clown in there with me, I'd freak out.

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.

I hate it because there are so many places I'd love to go but cannot due to my fear of flying. I'm 34 and have never left the eastern part of the U.S. My girlfriend is in New Zealand right now on a business trip and I know that I wouldn't have been able to go, had it been an option solely because of the flight. It's just hard to explain to someone who doesn't feel flying is a big deal. For me, it just wrecks me, emotionally. I'm sure I'll have a couple drinks and a nerve pill before boarding. But I think the sounds, sensations, motions, etc. of flying will freak me out the most since I have no idea what to expect. As noted in another post, I'll likely lose it if I hear what sounds as though an engine is cutting out.

 

[bignateyk]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
But I think the sounds, sensations, motions, etc. of flying will freak me out the most since I have no idea what to expect. As noted in another post, I'll likely lose it if I hear what sounds as though an engine is cutting out.

Like I said, you can learn up on the common sounds and what to expect during different parts of the flight, or you can learn by experience.

During takeoff at different stages, you will hear some weird sounds, most likely having to do with moving the flaps, the wheels, and the engine throttle. Mid-flight, you will (probably more than once) hear the engines mostly turn off, and you might even start to lose a tiny bit of altitude while it happens, but this is perfectly normal. They are just throttling back to let other planes pass at safe distance, or you might drop altitude to let another plane pass overhead. During landing, you will hear the landing gear moving, the flaps changing position, etc...

These are all the things that freak out new flyers, but knowing to expect them is how to overcome those fears. Likewise, just learning about how much stress the airplanes can take is another big one, like I mentioned before. Those planes can take a beating before they crash. If a crash is going to happen, it will be because of a complete freak accident (explosion, fire, etc...), not because of a little (or a lot) of turbulance. Those pilots are even trained to land the plane without any engine throttle at all.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
As noted in another post, I'll likely lose it if I hear what sounds as though an engine is cutting out.

There hasn't been a major crash caused by engine failure in at least 10+ years by a major carrier in the US. Flying domestically on American carriers is the absolute safest you can be if you are going in to the air. My odds of being run down by a cab (fsking Chicago cab drivers) on my daily walk to the train far exceed the odds of dying on a major US airline on a domestic flight.

 

[y2kc]

was in the same boat a couple years back. posted here for advice as well. i was a wreck the whole time but i occupied my time by chatting with the woman i sat next to, she was nice and understanding, gave me a few tips.

the valium advice is good, wish i had a couple before takeoff but subsequent flights were a peice of cake... my ears did hurt for months afterwards though...

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: bignateyk

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
But I think the sounds, sensations, motions, etc. of flying will freak me out the most since I have no idea what to expect. As noted in another post, I'll likely lose it if I hear what sounds as though an engine is cutting out.

Like I said, you can learn up on the common sounds and what to expect during different parts of the flight, or you can learn by experience.

During takeoff at different stages, you will hear some weird sounds, most likely having to do with moving the flaps, the wheels, and the engine throttle. Mid-flight, you will (probably more than once) hear the engines mostly turn off, and you might even start to lose a tiny bit of altitude while it happens, but this is perfectly normal. They are just throttling back to let other planes pass at safe distance, or you might drop altitude to let another plane pass overhead. During landing, you will hear the landing gear moving, the flaps changing position, etc...

These are all the things that freak out new flyers, but knowing to expect them is how to overcome those fears. Likewise, just learning about how much stress the airplanes can take is another big one, like I mentioned before. Those planes can take a beating before they crash. If a crash is going to happen, it will be because of a complete freak accident (explosion, fire, etc...), not because of a little (or a lot) of turbulance. Those pilots are even trained to land the plane without any engine throttle at all.

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll probably look into some reading material to help familiarize myself with more of what to expect so I'm not caught off guard by anything. I just want it to go smoothly because it's not a direct flight so if I get freaked out on the first leg, I know I'll have a hard time boarding again in Chicago. I hope I love it because I've never been out west and driving that far is not a practical, or enjoyable, option for me.

 

[bonkers325]

its really a neat experience, you get to see the world from a whole new vantage point. theres nothing to it! just step on board, take a deep breath, and ignore the gremlins chewing out the engines. and remember... YOU'RE NOT CRAZY!

 

[brandonb]

As someone who has over 50,000 miles in planetrips...

Airplane rides are typically very tame. They are generally smoother than a car ride would be. The only time you get turbulence its very minor shakes, and going over a railroad track in a car is going to be about twice as "bumpy" compared to 95% of turbulence, and it feels exactly like going over railroad tracks. So there is nothing to worry about. Hitting a pot hole in a car is more dangerous or abrasive than any turbulence.

Seating is like old style movie theater seats. Typically small, uncomfortable, lined in a row. Gets uncomfortable for long periods. Depending on the size of the seats, its usally 3 lined up, then aisle, then 3 lined up. Or on bigger planes it might be 2 - 4 - 2 with 2 aisles.

Regarding things like geforce and feel of movements, usually the only time you feel anything during a plane flight is take off and landing. Usually when they punch in the after burner in the airplane during takeoff (not really an afterburner) you will get pushed into your chair a bit, but its not much different than flooring your car... But its only for second or two and the acceleration dies off and you will just gain speed at a steady pace. Landing same type of thing. You land, and the airplane has to step on the breaks. So it will feel like a car when you have a driver slam on the breaks, you will be pushed forward in your seat against the seatbelt a bit. Again, if you ever have driving in a car, the feeling is similar.

All in all, you are freaking yourself out... I used car in my example above because everybody's been in a car.

However, its more accurate to say its more like a boat ride. As a boat is typically more "free flowing", it might rock a bit from side to side due to waves hitting the side of a boat, and hitting the throttle or letting off gives you a bit of a feel in movements like a nose up/nose down of the front of the boat. Just think of it like that. If you ever driven a boat onto a car/truck trailer, and you get a jerk as the boat goes from water to being supported by a trailer, thats the feelings you feel from going from runway to air...

Trust me, plane trips are tame... If they were as "extreme" as your mind is making it out to be (in your fear) nobody would do it... Its not a space shuttle trip. Generally plane trips feels like going out for a boat trip on the lake, peaceful and serene. If its a day trip, I suggest the window seat. Because you can look out the window to coordinate the feelings of the plane movements (roll, yaw, pitch) to the outside world, and it will help with orientation, and I'm guessing you will think its great!

Oh btw, I'm freakishly afraid of heights, and you don't get that feeling at all in an airplane...

 

[Electric Amish]

I'll point it out explicitly whereas it was kind of buried in another post...

YOU HAVE A 7 TIMES GREATER CHANCE OF DIEING WHILE RIDING IN A CAR THAN A PLANE

Whole bunch of stats here

 

[deerslayer]

This thread is making me nervous. The only time I have ever flown was with my friend I graduated High School with, in a tiny little 4 seat plane. He has his private pilot's license, although i'm not sure what assclown gave it to him.

 

[DougK62]

I was in the same boat as you until I took my first flight last year. Now I'm a little pissed that I spent so much time being stupid about it. It's nothing. Take-off was actually fun. The rest of the ride is just like being on a bus.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

Just remember those pilots are highly skilled and very experienced. They don't want to do anything that will put themselves (or their passengers) at risk.

Flying is often the fastest way to get somewhere, but otherwise not that much fun. You'll likely twice the time waiting and sitting in the plane on the ground than you will up in the air.

 

[bignateyk]

Also, bring headphones along and watch a movie, or listen to music while reading. It will be over before you know it if you have your mind occupied on other things the whole time.

Also, the only time I really get nervous is right before the plane takes off. You will be driving around the runway area pretty slowly, until you get to the runway you take off on, then the plane will stop competely, and pretty much go dead silent.

Usually it is at this point where I say to myself "Here goes", and then I take a deep breath, and close my eyes, and then you get pushed back into your seat as the plane accelerates extremely fast, which is actually the most exciting part of the flight, but also the most stressfull I always see the end of the runway approaching, and think "climb, climb, climb", and it always does, with plenty of runway to spare.

 

[Uppsala9496]

I wish I could help. I have been flying a good 25,000 to 35,000 miles a year for the past 4 years. So for me it is second nature.
Do something to keep your mind off the flight itself. I can fall asleep anywhere, and have often times slept through the take off, flight, and landing only to be woken up by the passenger next to me deboarding.
As others have mentioned, read a book, play a video game, listen to some music, etc.

 

[yankeesfan]

If you die, your family members will sue and get a big settlement. You win both ways!

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: brandonb
As someone who has over 50,000 miles in planetrips...

Airplane rides are typically very tame. They are generally smoother than a car ride would be. The only time you get turbulence its very minor shakes, and going over a railroad track in a car is going to be about twice as "bumpy" compared to 95% of turbulence, and it feels exactly like going over railroad tracks. So there is nothing to worry about. Hitting a pot hole in a car is more dangerous or abrasive than any turbulence.

Seating is like old style movie theater seats. Typically small, uncomfortable, lined in a row. Gets uncomfortable for long periods. Depending on the size of the seats, its usally 3 lined up, then aisle, then 3 lined up. Or on bigger planes it might be 2 - 4 - 2 with 2 aisles.

Regarding things like geforce and feel of movements, usually the only time you feel anything during a plane flight is take off and landing. Usually when they punch in the after burner in the airplane during takeoff (not really an afterburner) you will get pushed into your chair a bit, but its not much different than flooring your car... But its only for second or two and the acceleration dies off and you will just gain speed at a steady pace. Landing same type of thing. You land, and the airplane has to step on the breaks. So it will feel like a car when you have a driver slam on the breaks, you will be pushed forward in your seat against the seatbelt a bit. Again, if you ever have driving in a car, the feeling is similar.

All in all, you are freaking yourself out... I used car in my example above because everybody's been in a car.

However, its more accurate to say its more like a boat ride. As a boat is typically more "free flowing", it might rock a bit from side to side due to waves hitting the side of a boat, and hitting the throttle or letting off gives you a bit of a feel in movements like a nose up/nose down of the front of the boat. Just think of it like that. If you ever driven a boat onto a car/truck trailer, and you get a jerk as the boat goes from water to being supported by a trailer, thats the feelings you feel from going from runway to air...

Trust me, plane trips are tame... If they were as "extreme" as your mind is making it out to be (in your fear) nobody would do it... Its not a space shuttle trip. Generally plane trips feels like going out for a boat trip on the lake, peaceful and serene. If its a day trip, I suggest the window seat. Because you can look out the window to coordinate the feelings of the plane movements (roll, yaw, pitch) to the outside world, and it will help with orientation, and I'm guessing you will think its great!

Oh btw, I'm freakishly afraid of heights, and you don't get that feeling at all in an airplane...

Thanks for all the helpful info. And yes, I know I'm freaking myself out. I have friends/coworkers who fly weekly and they always manage to make it back home in one piece. But it's just that I've waited so long to finally do it, that my fear is really bad. I guess it's like jumping off the high dive for the first time as a kid. The longer you stand up there, the scarier it gets. So since I've waited so far into my life to finally do this, the fear is crippling. I hope I love it because always traveling by car is a pain when it's more than a 4 hour trip. Not to mention, it's a little difficult seeing other parts of the world if you don't fly and that's something I'd like to do before I die. I'll be traveling with my girlfriend who flies all the time. She doesn't really understand my fear but is very sympathetic to it so I know she'll do a great job of getting me through it if I start to panic.

 

[crab]

Please, let us know how it goes when you get back

 

[Darkstar757]

Dude I have th exact same problem. Dramine and Tylynol Pm and just go to sleep the entire flight. That how I deal with it. I hate flying because im not in control, If I was the person flying the plane id be fine.

 

[Fern]

Don't worry, if you're like me you'll be so pissed off (from standing in lines for security shakedowns etc, wasting time hanging out in the terminal, departure/arrival delays, sitting in crappy little seats getting constatnly bumped by other passengers, crying babies, utter lack of decent food and snacks, over priced booze, poor service, lost bagage etc) by the time the plane actually takes off you won't worry about crashing. You may even pray for it just to avoid having to go through the experience again.

I've developed clausterphobia from too many overbooked & cramped intl flights. I hate the airlines, the flying part is the only decent aspect - smooth & no worries, plus I know I'm actually getting somewhere.

Have a modest amounts of drinks at the airport bar, take a pill or two upon boarding. Put on some blinders, plug in the music & headphones. Sit next to the window (so you don't get jostled and awoken) and try to sleep through it.

Oh, I try to force it out of my mind (clausterphobia for me) until I'm actually getting on the plane. Doesn't do any good to freak out about it days in advance.

Good Luck,

Fern

 

[Mo0o]

Get a good book or drug yourself up

 

[LordMorpheus]

I remember flying back from college, a friend of mine was on the flight with me and it was his first time airborn and I started telling him stories about airline disasters. That was fun.

 

[Shadowknight]

Originally posted by: 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!

Great picks! Also try

Hero
Millenium
Passenger 57
World Trade Center
Snakes on a Plane
United 93
Fight Club
and Final Destination

Watch them the day before, they'llget you relaxed in no time. So relaxed, your bladder and sphincter muscles will unclench on the ride there and after you get on the plane