Nervous about flying

[danzingcutie12]

This may be a really stupid question, but I figured I would ask anyway.

We are flying to California in a little less then a month and I couldn't be more nervous about flying. I have flown three times before but only to Florida, which is only about a 2 hour flight from New Jersey. But I can not believe how scared I am about flying to California. I can't even fall asleep at night because I keep thinking about the plane crashing or getting hijacked by terrorists. I was on a plane after 9/11, but it was on my senior trip, it was chartered, and I was with my friends. I am so excited for this trip just not the flying part of it. And after the success of "Lost" I am surprised that more people aren't afraid to fly.:veryconfu

I can't give up this chance to go to DL, but is there any way I can deal with this fear. Is there anyone that has dealt with this same thing before?? If there any suggestions you may have?

 

[napnet]

I called my Dr and he gave me Xanax (sp?). It took the edge off the flight...

 

[NeedABreak]

Bring something with you that you can focus on. A book, portable DVD player, anything really. I wear some little air sickness braclets (the no drugs kind, they really work somehow) and I just sort of fidget with them when I get nervous.

CAlling your doc would be good if you don't have a problem with pills like me.

 

[SteveUK]

I think a useful way to address this fear is to put it into perspective and look at the facts. You mention that many people aren't scared, and that surpsises you. Why are they not scared? Are the millions (yes literally millions) of people flying each day all stupid? Or is it possibly you that is viewing things wrongly?

Have a look at the number of people who die or are injured in aircraft accidents each year and the number who travel this way. And compare these figures to the number who die on the roads or trains. There is no comparison, flying is by far the safest method of mass transport.

Your mentioned the series 'Lost'. Have you considered that your flight will be over land? Look at a map and you will see that over the US mainland you will never be very far from an airstrip. Then look at how far a major aircraft can fly on one engine. You will see that even with mechanical problems you will always have somewhere to land safely.

I am aware however that a fear such as this, which may be called a phobia is very deeply ingrained into the limbic system of your brain, and therefore these reasoned arguments may do little to aleviate the anxiety you feel. I still think it helps to have some knowledge about your problems though. And if you find you cannot reduce your stress by logocal persuasion, then speak to the doctor, some minor tranquilisers or sedatives will help greatly.

 

[Evan's Servants]

Just try to think of it this way -- the Pilot, Copilot, flight attendants, etc all want to go home at the end of their shift just like you want to go home at the end of your day. This is just another day's work to them and if it wasn't safe they wouldn't be doing it. These people are the best at what they do. Short of a few very select military pilots these people are at the pinnicle of avation. The route to become a commercial airline pilot is one of the most difficult and highly trained positions you'll encounter. Many of these pilots will have thousands of hours on type (flying that particular model of aircraft -- 737, 757, A320, etc) and when you consider an average flight is 2-4 hours, you can guess how many flights they've had in just that model alone. The aircraft are so relyable most pilots will retire without ever having a real emergency of any sort -- though they are trained repeatedly in simulators to handle virtually anything which could possibly come up. Lastly, everyday we share the road with people driving while talking on their phone, driving after having a few libations they shouldn't have, driving with screaming kids bounching all over the place, and driving vehicles which have not been properly serviced. It is true that you're far more likely to be injured dealing with these morons than you ever will flying on a commercial aircraft.

 

[justducky78]

I never used to have a problem flying but then I was put on a new medication that had horrible side effects...I started having panic attacks/anxiety, trouble breathing, heart palps. Flying only made it worse.

I'm a lot better now (thankfully), but I know how you feel. I bring a book and try to get my mind off it (I also can't sleep on planes). My husband always gives me a hand massage taking off and landing -- it really helps calm me somehow!

Bring an iPod (relaxing music) or watch the movie - anything to get your mind somewhere else. Drink lots of water so you don't get dehydrated which makes it worse.

Don't worry - the 4 hours isn't as bad as you may think. I've been on 9+ hour flights several times that are horrible but somehow you get through it. Just know you're not alone!

If it's possible - don't do a direct flight. That way, you break the flight into two hours each and can take a walk, get some air when you get off the plane. Although - that will extend your travel time and that's never fun either! Have fun in CA!

 

[m star]

Hope this helps:

STATS finds that if you fly just 2,000 miles a year, your odds of dying in a plane crash are roughly equivalent to your odds of being hit on the head by a plane falling on you.

And of course, its always said (and true) that you have a greater chance of dying while driving to the airport than while flying.

 

[JimboJones123]

BTW, not to many EMP's go off across the US on a daily basis.. so you should be okay!

 

[RedBaron]

I have always been nervous about flying and 9-11 certainly did not help me. Like someone else has suggested, you can see if your dr. can give you something to take the edge off, but test it out before you travel to make sure it does not make you sick. For me Xanax (sp?) makes me feel hung over the next day and does not really help with my nerves so it is hardly worth it. (I sometimes think a Benedryl works better and will knock me out) It does not sound like you are 21 yet so I guess having a glass of wine on the plane is out. :animwink: So all I can really do is keep telling myself that "Of course everything is going to be OK and that I am being silly". Once you are in the air and the fasten seat belt sign goes off (That is usually my cue that I have survived once again) try to focus on how much fun you will have on your trip. If you have a portable DVD player bring it or watch the movie on the plane, that always helps. I tend not to be able to focus on reading even 1 page in a book and need visuals to keep my mind busy. Try not to worry and have a great trip. :wave:

 

[danzingcutie12]

I think a useful way to address this fear is to put it into perspective and look at the facts. You mention that many people aren't scared, and that surpsises you. Why are they not scared? Are the millions (yes literally millions) of people flying each day all stupid? Or is it possibly you that is viewing things wrongly?

Have a look at the number of people who die or are injured in aircraft accidents each year and the number who travel this way. And compare these figures to the number who die on the roads or trains. There is no comparison, flying is by far the safest method of mass transport.

Your mentioned the series 'Lost'. Have you considered that your flight will be over land? Look at a map and you will see that over the US mainland you will never be very far from an airstrip. Then look at how far a major aircraft can fly on one engine. You will see that even with mechanical problems you will always have somewhere to land safely.QUOTE]

I DO NOT believe that people who fly every day are stupid, nor do I believe that I am viewing things wrongly. Every person is different and deal with things in different ways. About 'Lost", I just mentioned it suprised me that more people arent scared BECAUSE of that show. I didn't really intend for it to be read that far into. Number and statistics are just that, and while they may ease my fear they can't protect me.


Sorry for the small rant, and thanks everyone for the tips, I will be definetly be trying them.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Fortunately, the travel doesn't bother me, but I usually pass the time reading. Others that have traveled with me that don't do so well with it either get something from their Dr. or for milder situations, you can take benadryl. With either it is better if someone is meeting you at the airport or you are being driven, as you can be a bit groggy even after the flight. It may sound silly, but others have gotten relief through hypnosis.

 

[barnum42]

I have had more problems from people in cars that I've ever had on a plane. They have experts in charge of them. You don't have to deal with some drunk driver or other careless motorist in the sky.

I know stats won't help your fears, but as has been mentioned the percentage success rate for people flying is reported as being higher than other mechanised transport.

I can't help with your fear of terrorists - it's not something I share having grown up with the Irish terrorists so I have become "used" to not letting them run my life for me. However, I hope you can take heart from the additional security measures now in place at airports.

As for "Lost" - it's just a poor TV show.

 

[RickEff]

A friend of mine had extreme anxiety about flying. She hadn't flown for almost 25 years after she had a mishap on a plane coming back from Europe. It was a prop plane and lost an engine and dropped several thousand feet before regaining control and limped back to Canada.

She swore she'd never fly again and didn't for a long time. She decided two years ago that she had to for both professional and personal reasons. No amount of talking about it made it easier. Deep seated fears are something you can't be convinced out of having. She spoke to her doctor about it and he prescribed Ativan. It seemed to do the trick. It's an anti-anxiety drug. It made her a bit loopy on the plane, but it really helped. She took one the night before the trip and it helped her sleep, then one at the airport.

She's since flown about 6 times and loves the freedom. She's still nervous but doesn't need the drug anymore to get her on the plane. It's easier when she's traveling someplace fun than for work though!

Good luck! You can get information about Ativan at: http://www.drugs.com/ativan.html and of course your doctor will be able to fill in more data for you.

 

[bgraham34]

My wife freaks out after about 4 hours. Under that she is fine. Just relax and bring movies or music to calm you down.

 

[PeeplMoovr]

I can't stand flying, and I'm terribly anxious about the whole thing. I've had the panic attacks, etc, but within the last year I've flown probably 8 times, including to Ireland and back. The trick for me (not condoning this for all, though) is xanax and a few drinks. It certainly does the trick for me.

 

[Miss Bell]

I really don't like flying either. I try not to think about it ahead of time, or I can really get myself in tizzy. During take off and throughout the entire flight, I try to really concentrate on something. Last flight I read the entire time we were on the plane, from take off til landing, and never even looked up. That helped a lot.

I do also think about the pilot and the rest of the crew, and how much they want to get home to their own families, too.

I don't think your Lost reference is silly. Those shots of the plane crash in the first season were very realistic. I ususally try not to think about that, until my husband told me last week that he wants me to accompany him on a business trip--to Australia!

All in all though, I would never let this fear keep me from doing something I really wanted to do, and I don't think you should either.

 

[napnet]

Funny story... a friend of mine, who is a pilot for NorthWest, is scared of flying unless he is in the cockpit. He won't ride in the normal seats, only the jump seat up front with other pilots.

 

[Raven66]

I used to love to fly. Then in 96 when I was 4 mos. pregnant a plane crashed at an airport in New York carrying a load of students that lived in the next town over from us in PA. It was so sad, but the thing was I had a ticket to fly to Florida to visit my family. I was so scared I almost didn't go. I started to get a little flippy on the plane and the flight attendant offered me a drink. Oh how I would have loved one. Any way, I still fly but it scares me to death. I break out in a cold sweat and if we hit an air pocket and the plane bucks I burst into tears. The upside is, that baby I was carrying way back when now sits besides me and holds my hand and she also makes her daddy hold my hand as well. Once I get thru take off I'm ok (except for turbulence) and then I just pull out a book and read until it's time to land. Bring a book or a DVD player. Or just think about how much fun you are going to have when you get there. Have a good time!!:wave:

 

[Mushymom]

I totally sympathize. I'm afraid of flying too. I don't like to be in any situation in which I don't have control.

I take a xanax too - it's helpful. I also make sure I have a window seat - seeing scenery distracts me a little bit. I also do my best to pray - that helps me a ton.

I try not to fall asleep on planes because my mouth hangs open and I look like I'm catching flies. LOL!

 

[YankeeMouse]

All the statistics in the world, probably won't help you, about how safe it is, etc. It never comforted me because this really is an irrational fear and hard facts did nothing to help me. As with the #2 posting above, I got a small prescription for xanax take 1/2 tablet and I can now fly. THink if it like you still hate to fly, but your body is fooled because you don't get sweaty palms, quick heart beat, etc., so you are calm, even though you still don't like it! I still don't look out the window, I read a magazine instead, but without all the physical symptoms, you kind of just go, "How about this, I'm flying and my body is not going crazy, so it must be okay! And by the way, my son is in aviation in college and flies his own plane. I always said, "Have good flight" with a smile, even though inside I was not calm. Good luck!