Flying Advice

[PrincessMagic]

This post isn't necessarily Disney related but I would like some input. We are traveling in October and had planned on driving down from Ohio. It takes about 14 hrs. to drive down.

My husband has been trying to convince me for years to fly but I have a crazy fear of flying. However, the thought of being in Disney in 2 hrs vs. 14 hrs. is very appealing. I was looking at flights and we can get a non-stop flight really cheap.

I would like some general advice and maybe you can share with me how you got over your fear of flying, what to expect, whatI can do to reduce anxiety, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BTW I don't drink so alchohol is not an option. I also considered asking my doctor for some meds, but I don't want to feel so doped up that I can't enjoy myself when we get there. Thanks

 

[RussJT]

I doubt this well help much, but once when I flew, I landed and the pilot came over the intercom and said, "The safe part of your trip is now over, be careful driving home."

The last two times we went to Disney we drove (also from Ohio). We decided to fly this time (leaving in just over a month). My wife has flown several times before, but not in a few years. She was a bit nervous thinking about the flight. I asked her if she could name for me the last time a commercial flight crashed in the US. She couldn't do so. (For the record, unless I am mistaken, it was in 2001.) I asked her if she could name for me the last time she had heard about an automobile crash killing a person. She could think of several from the past week or so.

It seemed to help her believe that it IS actually much safer to fly (and much quicker, too).

 

[Kamikaze]

There is no way to get over your fears than to face them.

However, let me try to help. Air travel is the safest form of travel there is, period. You are more likely to die on the trip to the airport than in a plane crash. And much more likely if you are making your 14 hour drive.

Just remember, you are something on the level of a million times more likely to be in a car accident per hour driving than in any type of incident in an hour of flight.
To put it another way: Per year there are 40,000 deaths in automobile accidents. 200 in plane accidents (And most years, those are small planes, props, etc)

And one more way:
Each year, one driver in 6,800 dies in a car crash.
One airplane traveler in 1.6 million dies in a plane crash.

If you REALLY need drugs, half of a xanax a couple hours before you fly would be plenty.

I asked her if she could name for me the last time a commercial flight crashed in the US. She couldn't do so. (For the record, unless I am mistaken, it was in 2001.)

There was one in Kentucky in 2006, when the pilot tried to land on the wrong runway, and skidded off the end. This was a smaller plane with only 50 passengers. If that happened, at, say, MCO, there wouldn't be a problem because there is more than enough room to stop. The airport it happened at was a very small one, and unless you are flying into/out of one of those small airports, that scenario isn't a problem. The one before that was the one that crashed in Queens, shortly after 9/11.

 

[happymom52003]

I feel for you. I had a HORRIBLE fear of flying, but when faced with a 24 hour drive to WDW with a 12 month old and four year old, my husband finally talked me into flying again (I used to fly all the time without problems years ago....my phobia came on gradually).
This free online course helped me so much. You dont have to give any personal info to do it. I actually did it a couple of times before that first flight a couple of years ago.
It really helped me feel better about flying, so I think you should check it out. http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/
I still get really nervous before flying, but I have found that once take off is over and the plane is at cruising altitude I feel much better!
The worst part for me is the day before and the day of....the anticipation of flying is so much worse for me than the actual flight!:ROFLOL:

 

[Figment25]

My brother used to swear up and down he would never fly. One year we convinced him to fly with us to WDW from Pittsburgh, since he faced the fear, he has never drove to Florida since. Flying is the only way to go.
Just make sure you take some gum with you!!!

 

[tigsmom]

This post isn't necessarily Disney related but I would like some input. We are traveling in October and had planned on driving down from Ohio. It takes about 14 hrs. to drive down.

My husband has been trying to convince me for years to fly but I have a crazy fear of flying. However, the thought of being in Disney in 2 hrs vs. 14 hrs. is very appealing. I was looking at flights and we can get a non-stop flight really cheap.

I would like some general advice and maybe you can share with me how you got over your fear of flying, what to expect, whatI can do to reduce anxiety, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BTW I don't drink so alchohol is not an option. I also considered asking my doctor for some meds, but I don't want to feel so doped up that I can't enjoy myself when we get there. Thanks

I'm the same way you are about flying...I hate it! The fact that I can be in WDW just 3 1/2 hours or so after we leave NY is the only reason I ever fly - and its the only place I will fly to. :lol:

Ask your doctor for something light to help you relax before the flight. Try it a few days before you get on the plane (when there are others at home) so you know how you will react. If all goes well take it the night before you leave so you can relax and get a good night's sleep. If need be, take another dose about an hour or so before the flight takes off (that would be after you get to the airport as you need to be there early). Trust me, you will arrive feeling relaxed and then you can hit the parks and enjoy yourself when you get there.

 

[sring]

I have to admit I fly all the time (38 flight segments in 2007) and I still get uncomfortable if I think there's going to be turbulant weather. There were a couple of particularly bumpy trips where I thought they were going to have to saw off the armrests for me to take home.

That said, I've arrived safely every time. And quite frankly nothing beats arriving in 2 hours (ok, more like 4-5 if you take getting to the airport early into account) vs. a 14 hour drive.

You've seen the stats in other posts. Here are a few of the things I do....

1) Take an Aisle seat, easier to stand up and move and harder to look out the window and down.

2) try to get a seat near the wings. There's less of a feel of tilt during take off and landing when the aircraft pivots up, it also (at least in my experience) is the smoother spot on the plane.

3) get to the airport early so you don't feel rushed if there's a long line at the ticket counter or security checkpoint.

4) Don;t panic if there is a delay. You'll get there, delays are common and part of the game.

5) Check with your airline about number of pieces of luggage checked and carryon and the allowable sizes and weights. They will charge you if you use a huge bag that is overweight. If you can fit what you need into a carryon bag, do it, it'll save a potential hastle of a lost bag. Just be mindful of the 3-1-1 rule for liquids (you're airlines website should have a link to TSA's website but basically no container greater than 3 ounces, in a 1 quart plastic zippertop bag and one such bag per person. Deoderant falls into the liquid category.

And remember, you're going to the happiest place on earth.

This post isn't necessarily Disney related but I would like some input. We are traveling in October and had planned on driving down from Ohio. It takes about 14 hrs. to drive down.

My husband has been trying to convince me for years to fly but I have a crazy fear of flying. However, the thought of being in Disney in 2 hrs vs. 14 hrs. is very appealing. I was looking at flights and we can get a non-stop flight really cheap.

I would like some general advice and maybe you can share with me how you got over your fear of flying, what to expect, whatI can do to reduce anxiety, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BTW I don't drink so alchohol is not an option. I also considered asking my doctor for some meds, but I don't want to feel so doped up that I can't enjoy myself when we get there. Thanks

 

[photoflight]

Just throwing some random thoughts out... what about flying bothers you? Is it the actual flying? Is it being locked up in an airplane? Rough ride? Do you get motion sickness? Motion sickness can be handled with some simple medications or devices you can wear, the other problems are another story.

I don't know if it helps, but I'll echo what people have said about safety. You're far more likely to be hurt in your car than on a commercial airliner. My work-life revolves around flying airplanes - and I fly my own for fun. I've never been in an accident, never been even close to being in one...but then I had the rear end of my car destroyed by a careless driver on the way to the airport one morning.

 

[LowesChevy]

We fly out of Cleveland early in the morning, allow plenty of time to check in and go through security, and then just try to chill. I listen to my iPod, or read my Birnbaums Guide. It helps me think about where I will be after the plane trip. Anything that naturally helps you relax, like reading, music, a game may help you reduce your anxiety towards flying.

 

[PrincessMagic]

Just throwing some random thoughts out... what about flying bothers you? Is it the actual flying? Is it being locked up in an airplane? Rough ride? Do you get motion sickness? Motion sickness can be handled with some simple medications or devices you can wear, the other problems are another story.

I don't know if it helps, but I'll echo what people have said about safety. You're far more likely to be hurt in your car than on a commercial airliner. My work-life revolves around flying airplanes - and I fly my own for fun. I've never been in an accident, never been even close to being in one...but then I had the rear end of my car destroyed by a careless driver on the way to the airport one morning.

A few things about flying bothers me...the main thing is the panic of being somewhere I can't get out of. In all honesty I don't put myself in too many situations that I cannot get out of easily. The other fears I believe is just the unknown, never flying. Vaguely terrorism and lastly crashing. All of those things make up one crazy fear.

 

[mousebymarriage]

You can most definately ask your doctor for a prescription for a very mild tranquilizer like Xanax. My friend does this every year for her trip to Aruba and it really helps her alot. If it is just a mild dose it shouldn't make you feel out of it for the entire day. I would suggest that you try it at home just to be sure what your reaction will be.

We have always flown but, for our April 2007 trip I insisted driving from New Jersey because I just had a bad feeling about flying ( I have never had that before). So we drove to Disney with our then 10 year old DD and 5 year old DS. NOT FUN AT ALL!:brick: We left the house at 2:30am and pulled into the hotel in Santee, S.C. exactly 12 hours later. My kids slept a little at first but then my DD began to vomit and dry heave. When we stopped for breakfast I practically had to tackle her and hold her down to get her to take a Dramamine. Then the kids started fighting in the car("mom, Emily is leaning on me and breathing in my face" followed by "Mom, Michael keeps licking his finger and wiping it on me" etc.)
So we put Michael in the back row of the minivan and all was quiet for maybe an hour. Suddenly I hear the sound of vomitting and I think it is my DD, it's not! Michael who never ever gets car sick has just thrown up all over himself, his pillow and part of the car. We pull over on the side of the road and spend 20 minutes cleaning up vomit while trucks whiz by so fast the car is shaking. Both kids get Dramamine and the rest of the trip is typical (who's sitting too close to who, who touching that persons stuff etc.) The trip home was quieter but, DD threw- up or dry heaved her way through Virginia, Maryland and Deleware and proabaly a few other states. She refused to take the Dramamine.

I say, FLY!!!! If you have kids.

One thing though, my kids will NEVER forget the time we drove to Disney!:hammer:

 

[H20Babie]

I, too, can sometimes have a problem cramped quarters. I book a seat on the aisle, over the wing, in the emergency exit row. It offers a little more room and if your DH is with you, there shouldn't be a problem.

As to theh actual flight, bring things to pass the time, so you are not dwelling on the actual flying. Treat the flight as you would your road trip -- bring a book for yourself, or books to read to your children, travel games, portable DVD/ipod, colouring books, crosswords, etc.

And, of course, remember why and where you're going ... Disney!

 

[MichWolv]

A few things about flying bothers me...the main thing is the panic of being somewhere I can't get out of. In all honesty I don't put myself in too many situations that I cannot get out of easily. The other fears I believe is just the unknown, never flying. Vaguely terrorism and lastly crashing. All of those things make up one crazy fear.

Although I thought twice about offering words to help a Buckeye...

It seems like your fear is mainly the loss of control rather than the potential loss of altitude. Not uncommon. If there is a problem on a plane, you know there's little you can do to affect it. In a car, you are much more likely to have a problem, but you at least feel like you can do something about it when it happens.

Although I never had a fear of flying, the way that I have overcome my fears is by simply forcing myself to focus on the logic. For me, it was constantly reminding myself that the chances significant long-term harm from speaking in front of a group were virtually nil, no matter how dumb I sound. In combination with reminding myself of some of the dumb things I'd heard people say but still survive with their dignity more or less intact, that allowed me to overcome my fear of public speaking. I now speak before large groups all the time, with no worries.

For you, perhaps you could just focus on the statistics regarding problems on airlines vs. cars, which prove that your fear is not protecting you from anything substantive, but just from a feeling. Grab some Xanax (or a glass of wine) to take the edge off, and bring a good book. You'll be there in no time.


And GO BLUE!

 

[Phonedave]

A few things about flying bothers me...the main thing is the panic of being somewhere I can't get out of. In all honesty I don't put myself in too many situations that I cannot get out of easily. The other fears I believe is just the unknown, never flying. Vaguely terrorism and lastly crashing. All of those things make up one crazy fear.

If it's a fear of being inside the plane, as opposed to crashing, why not try a few local trips on a train to get used to the idea?

A train car is a lot like a plane (ok, a bit more room, bigger windows, and you can plug your laptop in and use the cellular broadband) but a lot is similar, and it's an enclosed space you can't leave (well you can go car to car)

A few quick trips on Amtrack may help to ease you into flying.


And as others have said, aisle seat in an exit row (at 6'4" they do not build planes in my size)



-dave

 

[mommyluvsnoah]

I can completely relate. I am terrified of flying to the point that when we go home to visit family we drive 15 hours both ways with our son. It drives DH bonkers. He is insisting that for our Disney trip next year we will drive. I am determined to not let this ruin my trip but know I will be a nervous wreck from takeoff to landing and then there will be a slight feeling of dread all week about the returning flight.

For me the fear is something will go wrong and we will fall hundreds of thousands of feet, knowing that we are going to die. UGH. I know the statistics and all that but a part of me is convinced that my plane will be the one in the million.

Thanks for the fear of flying link. I am going to check it out.

And good luck on your trip!

 

[photoflight]

A few things about flying bothers me...the main thing is the panic of being somewhere I can't get out of. In all honesty I don't put myself in too many situations that I cannot get out of easily. The other fears I believe is just the unknown, never flying. Vaguely terrorism and lastly crashing. All of those things make up one crazy fear.

All understandable things too, lots of advice here - I hope something helps. Myself, I always get a window seat. Except for a fear of heights I don't really know why that would be worse. I feel a lot less "locked in" with being able to look outside. Whenever I've had to sit in an aisle seat I can never see whats going on outside.

 

[happymom52003]

All understandable things too, lots of advice here - I hope something helps. Myself, I always get a window seat. Except for a fear of heights I don't really know why that would be worse. I feel a lot less "locked in" with being able to look outside. Whenever I've had to sit in an aisle seat I can never see whats going on outside.

I also prefer a window seat. For some reason I feel better when I can see out.....calms my nerves alot more than being on a aisle. And I am TERRIFIED of heights, but I dont get that feeling on an airplane.

 

[lscott933]

well if your leaving from cvg it is only like an hour and half flight to mco. you have to remember they add time on for the taxi to and from the ramp. so tell her it is like going from columbus to cincy. when you in cincy you could really be in florida. please tell her that once you check your bags at the airport you don't have the hassle of getting them in out to the car if you spend a night coming and going.
the plane wreck was the plane was taking off and took off on the wrong runaway not landing.

 

[Raven66]

I can relate. I used to fly all the time to visit my parents in FL. When I was pregnant with my now 11 yr old DD, I was once again flying for a visit. We lived in PA at the time and just before I was ready to leave there was a crash in NY that killed the french club of a city very close to us. I haven't been able to fly without panicking since.

I don't drink either, but I would have downed a couple if it hadn't been 6 am on our last trip to WDW. What i do is bring a book. It did help a lot to be lost in it. And having to put on a some what brave face for my DD also helped. Of course I had DH on the other side of me and I was squeezing the crap out of his hand where she couldn't see.:lookaroun My problem is really the landing and taking off.

Have fun on your trip. You will be there before you know it. :wave:

 

[PrincessMagic]

I appreciate all the advice..it's truly fantastic. I don't know what we'll do. I really want to fly just to face it. I'm usually not the type of person to be bullied by anyone or anything.

I told my hubby one of the other stress factors is that I do have to be the adult and put on a brave face because we have 2 kids, so hubby would be with my son and I would be with my daughter. I don't have anyone to help me. I'm going to check out the website for fear of flying, thanks so much for the link, and to the Michigan fan GO BUCKS!!!! LOL