Flying

[gretch]

Hi all, I have a rather unusual question . Everyone on this board is so helpful so I thought I would give this a try. I’m flying to Aruba in October, however I am terrified of flying. Usually the farthest I fly is to Florida, which is a quick 2 ½ hour flight. Flying the extra 2 hours to Aruba is really nerve-wracking for me. To me, it feels like an endless flight!! The last time I flew home from Aruba, in October 2006, we hit such bad turbulence (the pilot anticipated it and warned us it was approaching) that it felt like the plane was dropping out of the sky, everyone on the plane actually screamed….which just made it worse. Is this kind of turbulence normal and are there any tips anyone could give me to help calm my nerves when turbulence hits? Even when we hit little bumps its makes me panic so any advice that any of you have (unless I’m the only one) would be so appreciated!!!!! Although, I’d rather stay away from meds if possible. Thanks!!

[Bill]

I was the same way years ago but since I have gotten used to it I usually sleep. What works for me is not sleeping the night of the flight so I can nod off on the plane. I also load up my ipod with my favorite half hour shows so it seems to go quicker. Oh ya, a couple of cocktails dont hurt me either. Good luck, enjoy Aruba!

[Arubalisa]

I found these old posts below which imo offered some great advice.

I know myself, though I am not afraid to fly, the long flight makes me antsy and want to just BE THERE. What helps? Make the time go quicker. A great book, good company and maybe a game (cards?), DVD player with your favorite movie you have not seen in awhile. I have noise cancelling headphones and on our last flight I caught up on a bunch of podcasts which I had never had had time to listen to at home.

We also bring a really nice sandwich and snacks from home. Eating takes up addtional time during the flight and makes time pass quicker.

Originally Posted by Reformed Phobic Flyer

I was a genuine lunatic when I began flight travel around 6 years ago. On my first flight home from Aruba, I demanded that my fiance talk to the pilot about landing the plane IMMEDIATELY because the (mild) turbulence was distressing to me! (Haha!)Those days of anxiety are long gone for me now. I tried Xanax once and felt very drugged from it. Never did that again. What helps me now are the Bose headset and soothing music I listen to as well as the small, portable DVD player that I bring along. I sit for 4 hours (I fly from Philadelphia)watching my favorite movies and before I realize it, I am told to put my "electronic devises" away as we prepare to land. The whole time, I am never bothered by the "bumps" along the way. Another trick I use is when the turbulence begins, I turn up the overhead blower, wrap myself in a blanket,(ask for a blanket as soon as you get on the plane as they never have enough) and I fall asleep from the cool air. I would suggest that you talk to your wife about turbulence, tell her what she should reasonably expect when turbulence does occur, and brainstorm about how best to decrease her anxiety during these times. I hope this helps your wife. Have a wonderful time! Reformed Phobic Flyer

Originally Posted by Robin & Terry

My wife too doesn't care for flying. We went to Aruba last year for our 1st time. As a surprise, I upgraded our airline tickets to 1st class. It was well worth the few extra $$ as the seats are alot more comfortable and made the 4+ hour flight from W. Michigan seem like only an hur or so. No problems or bumpy weather that we noticed.

[arubaness]

you can also load up on the alocohol to be nicely sedated....sit back and watch the movie.

[jack29]

Ok no real advice but I can totally understand where you are coming from. I travelled with my Husband (of one day when we flew) and our 16 year old Son, to Aruba on 8th July this year for a two week stay. I am terrified of flying and had never flown long haul before. It was NINE and HALF hours for us but I was determined to do it. I did take meds but they had no effect on me at all...I think my body just fights them. I don't eat on the plane and can't stand the smell of the hot food...I only drink water...had to get up to go to the loo but only twice and it was a quick unlock my seat belt and rush there and back.My Husband and Son are have no sympathy with me and I can understand why really, as I loose all sence of reason. Our trip was pretty smooth going out until we started our descent into Aruba and as it was cloudy it was bumpy until we got well below the cloud.Coming back was a night flight and more general turbulance...seat belt signs on and all that! I was in tears but I won't let it stop me travelling!! If I can do 9 1/2 hours I am sure you can do half that time

[gretch]

Thanks for all of the responses! There are some good tips here, especially the cocktails!! But the headset also sounds like a great idea.

I'm usually so afraid that I can not read a book or even fall asleep, I can only seem to concentrate on the bumps, the noise of the plane, what time it is and all the "what if's". I can't seem to clear my mind of that.

Please, any more tips/help would be great. I would love to overcome this fear but I don't know how. But at least it doesn't stop me from flying to Aruba!!

[KarenCT]

My husband is a mess when it comes to flying. He usually calls his doctor a week before our trips and asks for something to "calm" his nerves but not knock him out. Perhaps you can ask your dr. for something?

[Andrea J.]

i used to take a tylenol pm and a .25 xanax.
unfortunately i was groggy and ugly upon arrival.
but, i did sleep the WHOLE time in the air.

recently i have been taking ambien
and sleep well during the flight with no grogginess.

i too am a fearful flier.

andrea

Originally Posted by gretch

Thanks for all of the responses! There are some good tips here, especially the cocktails!! But the headset also sounds like a great idea.

I'm usually so afraid that I can not read a book or even fall asleep, I can only seem to concentrate on the bumps, the noise of the plane, what time it is and all the "what if's". I can't seem to clear my mind of that.

Please, any more tips/help would be great. I would love to overcome this fear but I don't know how. But at least it doesn't stop me from flying to Aruba!!

[danadog56]

Gretch,
I also have a suggestion, however don't know how comfy you would be with this idea....when you fly to Florida do you have family there?? If so, why don't y fly in the night before and stay with them, then take the early flight out the next day...at least this way you will only have to take a few "short" flights and it may not bother you as bad......I am a frequent flyer d/t my job and have never been bothered by the turbulance, so it is a little hard for me to understand, but try that along with the other suggestions....headphones, iPod, cocktails....the combo should work....Good Luck

[Sean V]

It is easy to say you'll be fine but fear of flying can be a traumatic and stressful experience for some people.

I was once one of those people. I couldn't even look out the windows, just grab the arm rest and peel them off when we finally touch down.

I have gotten over this fear through experience. My job requires alot of flying up and down the east coast, almost every week of the year. I had no choice to get over my fear. No help from alcohol, drugs, etc. It wouldn't be good to show up for work groggy or drunk.

It's a mindset. Understanding that planes are built for flying. Yes they have those bumps that makes everyone on edge but when was the last time you drove a car without hitting a bump or pot hole.
Pilots I found throughout the years being in airports are some of the most relaxed professionals. They are that way because they know what they are doing.
Just know thousands of planes take off and land every day because we have the most professional and experienced people getting us to our destinations.

Anticipate the trip, arriving on a beautiful Island and enjoying the experience. Think pleasant thoughts while on the plane and the time will go by quickly.

Enjoy!