Fear of flying

[bootytooTy8]

Its is now only 9 days till we go but already I am getting palpitions with the thought of flying (flown loads of times only thought of flying is getting worse) has any ideas or remedies which can calm me down . I have waited all year for this holiday can't understand it?:confused:
Regards Rachel


Port Orleans 2004
Pop Century 2005
Davenport Lakes2006
Windsor Hills 2008

[martin1]

some airlines do a fear of flying course they get nervous flyers all the time. its a little late now but maybe for next time it could be something to consider

[Tiggers Friend]

My wife has a dislike, rather than fear, of flying and swears by Bach's Rescue Remedy - takes a few drops and it calms her down.

[Jayne1111]

I'm also terrified of flying and have just booked to go to Orlando next year!

I did a fear of flying course with Virgin which I thought was excellent. Had not flown for 15 years and have flown 4 times in the past 3 years since doing this course. Still not happy about it but now understand everything that happens on the plane and feel a bit safer.

We were given a relaxation CD on the course which I use for a couple of weeks on the lead up to the flight. I lock myself in the bedroom for half an hour a night and do the relaxation techniques with the CD. This helps me relax and when I get worked up at the airport or on the plane I use the breathing excercises from the CD. You can download these onto your ipod and have it with you on the plane.

Another thing they told us on the course was to let the cabin crew know you are frightened and they will keep checking up on you!

Just keeping thinking that in a few hours you will be in another country and the flight is such a small part of the overall holiday.

I know - easier said than done! But you could go to the doctors and they will give you something to relax you. I do! Its very mild and they usually give you 2 or 3 tablets for each flight. It just relaxes you, doesn't knock you out or anything!

Best of luck. Have a great holiday.

[dmrevis]

First of all try to relax. Its easy for those of us who arent scared of course, but just try not to think about it. Make sure you are well rested and dont drink caffine or alcohol for 24 hours before the flight, or during the flight. They are both stimulants and will hype you up, even without you knowing it. A "stiff drink" wont settle your nerves, it will probably do the opposite.
Take comfort in the fact that millions of people fly every year and only a tiny tiny number of people come to harm. Statisically in fact the journey to the airport is the bit to be scared about. The roads are far more dangerous than the skies.
Have a word with the crew, and there are drug free, herbal sedatives you could take should you feel the need. Again, do not mix with caffine or alcohol, or even "energy drinks" like Red Bull. Plenty of water, and above all just think of the great time you'll have and before you know it the flight will be over.

[Millie]

Who are you flying with as when I had to contact Virgin back along they said they had a man in the office who deals with the fear of flying course and he would talk over the phone rather than having to attend.

[LeonieM]

I'm not afraid of flying, but I must admit that I HATE the take-off! My body has this major problem with G-forces, and the acceleration into the sky gets me every time. Once we've levelled out I'm fine without a second thought. It's absolutely NOT that I think the plane is going to crash or anything - it's purely the discomfort of getting up there.

During take-over to fly home this time, the plane was rattling like you wouldn't believe, and Emma began to get slighly hysterical because of it - she thought the plane was going to fall out of the sky or something. The stewardess came over and reassured her.

It was only later that we realised that we were up against the toilet block bulkhead, and all the rattling was in fact the toilet doors and stuff rattling around! lol

I must also say that the more I fly,the easier it gets. There is a saying "There is nothing to fear but fear itself." ie, it's all in the mind. That's simplifying it somewhat, though.

It's possibly a bit late for anti-fear of flying therapy now, but if there are people you can talk to over the phone then that is probably a good idea. What a shame Paul McKenna doesn't do a hypnosis tape for that!

[Susan Veness]

My wife has a dislike, rather than fear, of flying and swears by Bach's Rescue Remedy - takes a few drops and it calms her down.

I second the motion for Rescue Remedy. :happy-thumb

I had a terrible fear of flying before I started this job. I mean, to the point where I'd be sick for days ahead of time. Nothing gave me comfort. When I started working as a travel writer (imagine...a travel writer who hates to fly! :eek: ) I had to fly a lot, and every turn, every sound, every unexpected dip had me absolutely terrified. I knew I had to do something, so I stared paying attention to what each sound was, to how smooth each turn was, and I made a point of feeling how much the plane 'bumped' as it taxied to the runway (they bump a lot!). Once I understood what the sounds were, how a turn feels, how little it takes to make a plane move up and down (mild turbulence) I felt much, much better. I suppose it was a self-inflicted Fear of Flying programme, in a way.

The other thing I notice is, that fear of flying comes back when I'm particularly tired or stressed before a flight. I get nervous a day or two ahead, just a sort of background 'fear'. But once I'm on the plane, it does go away (at least, mostly :) ). If you can find ways to de-stress in other areas of your pre-trip planning (and an overseas holiday IS a stress, even if you're excited about it!), that might help ease the jitters.

[bootytooTy8]

Thankyou every one for your reassurance and kind words I will nip to chemists tomorrow and get rescue remedy , I no its silly to be scared . I will try and relax and think of the great holiday we will all have .
:happy-thumb

[reggy81]

Really interesting to read all that, I used to fly a lot when i was younger with my dad for business trips and i used to be fine, then as ive got older i hate it! I think ive discovered that i actually have a fear of heights, although can look out of the window once were level, but i think i just think if anything goes wrong then were screwed, so to say! I always try and put on a brave face so my 5 year old doesn't notice and actually reassured hubby on our last flight through turbulence - think that was the diazipam working!! I have spoken to Virgin special assistance and they've said that they will let the crew know to reassure me and have told me to ask for bulkhead seats at check in. Dont know if were get them as travelling with a child but i guess no harm in asking :)