Flying

now_or_never12
now_or_never12 Posts: 849 Member
edited December 2024 in Chit-Chat
Does anyone have any tips to not be so freaked out and nervous to fly? I have just booked my honeymoon to Florida for October and will be taking two planes there (Canadair Regional Jet and a Delta 757).

I have been on a plane once and it was a very small one that was a short flight and it didn't go to high.

Anyone have any tips to ease the nerves? The plane is leaving the first airport at 6:30am so a drink isn't an option :(

Replies

  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    You can find an airport bar open at 6:30am

    Flying is the safest way to travel long distances. What part of it makes you nervous?
    I can't help with the mental blocks on flying, but I design jet airplanes for a living and am working on my private pilot license. Anything you want to know about the planes, how they are built or how the crews are trained to fly them, please ask.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    I've flown since very little and if you allow it to be, it's probably one of the most relaxing forms of mass transport (once you're in your seat). Take a pack of suckable sweets (candy) to help with any ear-popping and a good book to sink the hours into. I've never had a bad experience on an airplane of any description and I've probably flown over 50 times.
  • now_or_never12
    now_or_never12 Posts: 849 Member
    I think my main things are that I like to be in control (hubby says I need to work on that lol ) and that I don't like to be in enclosed areas where I can't get out of if need be (in very crowded places I become claustraphobic).

    The whole idea makes me nervous.. not being in control, being so high up (I'm afraid of heights) and all the little noises and movements the planes do. I've heard some horror stories of turbulence and such.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    I have an awful fear of heights... except in planes. It has never bothered me, but I was the kind to avoid climbing a 6ft wall for fear of falling from that 'height'. And really, if you think about the training pilots have to go through to fly commercial airliners, them being in control is quite reassuring. Certainly moreso than a bus driver :p

    The most noticable turbulence will be your landing. Sometimes there's a bit as you ascend, but once you're above the clouds there is absolutely none.
  • jplord
    jplord Posts: 510 Member
    Instead of focusing on all the issues that bother you, consider the alternative: Driving. The long days of sitting until you have bed sores, the creepy motels, the higher rate of accidents and lower safety margin, and instead of a trained captain and navigator doing all the work with an attendant to look after your safety, you'd have to do all the work of driving - for days.

    Take some dramamine - that will put you to sleep and you will have a more relaxing and enjoyable flight.
  • now_or_never12
    now_or_never12 Posts: 849 Member
    Thanks for the info so far!

    My husband used to watch a lot of May Day so that may have contributed to my fears.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,533 Member
    Why don't you do a few therapy sessions? Your fear is a common one. It is tied to control and confinement, so you pegged it there.

    And, breathe. Deep breaths, in, out. Repeat.
  • macnotes
    macnotes Posts: 210 Member
    I find that focusing on something still in the plane ahead of me helps like the divider between me and business class. Also, make sure you have had enough sleep (well rested) and don't drink a bunch of caffeine beforehand. My issues are mainly to do with motion sickness, so I have a routine where I make sure I am not hungry or already sick with a cold or something. Try and eat simply that morning as well (nothing too greasy) and bring simple snacks with you crackers etc.

    Be sure that your husband is supportive and knows not to make fun or joke around or else it will contribute to the problem. You can also mention this to the flight attendants so they can give you extra attention if you need it. I would aim for an aisle seat so you don't have to look out. Just think of it as being inside a train which is solid and safe and still on the ground :)

    Also, bringing something to look at like a magazine or maybe some music can help you zone out. Practice doing some simple meditation before going on the journey and think of where you'll be landing, a whole new world to explore on your honeymoon. So much fun!
  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    I think my main things are that I like to be in control (hubby says I need to work on that lol ) and that I don't like to be in enclosed areas where I can't get out of if need be (in very crowded places I become claustraphobic).

    The whole idea makes me nervous.. not being in control, being so high up (I'm afraid of heights) and all the little noises and movements the planes do. I've heard some horror stories of turbulence and such.

    The pilots are rigorously trained and have that training re-checked and certified every year. They know the airplane they are flying extremely well and are in constant communication with ground based air traffic control, to help navigate around other flying traffic and storms.

    The little bumps and shakes the airplane makes incredibly minor compared to what it's capable of flying through. Turbulence hard enough to make you feel weightless is very well within the design limits of every commercial plane. If you want to minimize that, sit somewhere slightly behind the wing.

    Deep breath and bring a book or something that can help you relax.
  • now_or_never12
    now_or_never12 Posts: 849 Member
    Thanks for the tips everyone!

    My husband is very supportive. Tells me all will be ok and it's the safest way to travel, etc. He keeps telling me just to look forward to when we get there... somewhere new and our first real trip and vacation together and completely on our own.

    I wish it was a straight flight as I think that would make it easier however it's two planes there and two planes back.

    I'm going to try to be as well rested as possible which will be hard as I work the day before which will be a tough day in itself and our plane leaves at 6:30am the following morning, we have to be there for about 3:30am and we live an hour away from the airport.

    I'm hoping the four planes in less than a week will help as I'd love to go somewhere far away and travel the world. Strangely enough, I'm terrified to fly however I'm very excited as I love to do things I am absolutely terrified of doing.
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