Fear of flying

[SKYYCAMEL]

The wife and I usually drive to WDW, but this year she wants to fly. I would rather jump into a den of angry lions than step on a plane. For those of you that share my love of flying, how do you deal with your fear. Help me!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

Well...we could quote you the statistics about the safety of each mode. Would that help?

 

[Marc D]

I have no fear of flying. In fact, I love it (once all the security formalities are done with) and fly multiple times a year. But, from simple to complicated, I only see five options :

- Convince your SO to drive instead (might not be the simplest option);
- Read up on travel safety statistics. They will show that flying is, BY FAR, the safest mean of travel you can use. You run much more risk driving to the airport, walking to the corner store or biking to school than taking a plane;
- Baracus it (an A-Team reference for the younger readers) and take something to calm your nerves, but not enough to be unable to follow TSA instructions;
- Use a VR headset and flying videos to get used to the feeling;
- Follow a pteromechanophobia treatment with a specialist.

Implicating your wife in the process is essential if you do choose to fly. She might be able to help you to calm down enough to get through it. Only you knows your anxiety level and the proper solution.

 

[SG131]

I’d talk you your dr to see if he can give you some anti anxiety meds just for the trip.

 

[jade'nsuch]

The first time I flew I was so nervous I would have rather walked there. I just shoved that fear way way down, faked it til I made it to Florida, and took lots (probably too much) Dramamine and benadryl. I also like listening to music during the flight because the sound of the plane makes me nervous.

I also never read statistics. I'm not sure how your brain works, but every time I would try reading some facts, my brain was like "hey you could be that one in however many." So I don't read the facts, I just do my best to pretend like we're on a train haha

 

[Marc D]

I also never read statistics. I'm not sure how your brain works, but every time I would try reading some facts, my brain was like "hey you could be that one in however many." So I don't read the facts, I just do my best to pretend like we're on a train haha

Well... statistics would tell you you’re 6 times more likely to die on a train than on a plane and a 100 times more likely in a car.

 

[MikeNamez]

It's not for everyone, but I used to smoke many years ago. I find that having a piece of nicotine gum on the plane calms me down during turbulence.

 

[Brett Wyman]

toss a few back at the airport bar.

 

[DisDreaming4116]

I used to REALLY dislike flying until the last few years. I realized I have no control over what happens in an airplane and worrying about it does nothing. I also like looking at flightaware.com at their live tracking. There are thousands of airplanes in the sky right now and we won't hear a thing about any of them.
I do try to sit in the middle of the plane over one of the wings. Not sure if it's true but I've read the feel of any air bumps is felt less there than near the front/back of the plane.

 

[dakotix]

breathing, meditation. Also listening to calm music will help remove yourself from being on the plane.

 

[MikeNamez]

I used to REALLY dislike flying until the last few years. I realized I have no control over what happens in an airplane and worrying about it does nothing. I also like looking at flightaware.com at their live tracking. There are thousands of airplanes in the sky right now and we won't hear a thing about any of them.
I do try to sit in the middle of the plane over one of the wings. Not sure if it's true but I've read the feel of any air bumps is felt less there than near the front/back of the plane.

I'm with you sitting towards the front. I always try to be in front of the wings. IDK if its true or not but makes me feel that much more at ease.

 

[DisArmyWife215]

I'm with you sitting towards the front. I always try to be in front of the wings. IDK if its true or not but makes me feel that much more at ease.[/QUOTEN]
No flying fear here, but I do find the front of the plane smoother. If you can get the first row you will also have more leg room and won't feel closed in as much. You do lose the tray table but that's a small thing for some leg room and smooth ride. Plus you'll be close to flight attendants if you should need anything.

 

[MikeNamez]

No flying fear here, but I do find the front of the plane smoother. If you can get the first row you will also have more leg room and won't feel closed in as much. You do lose the tray table but that's a small thing for some leg room and smooth ride. Plus you'll be close to flight attendants if you should need anything.

You forgot the best part. First off the plane! lol

 

[DisArmyWife215]

You forgot the best part. First off the plane! lol

How could I forget that!

 

[azgumidrop]

My husband had horrible anxiety when it came to flying. He would have cold sweats, vomiting and sever panic attacks. When we had to fly for our daughters wedding he looked into fearless flight est thing ever. The guy who leads it is a former pilot and truly takes his time to help people. The first class is free! We also purchased the Harmonizer which is amazing itself. Also he did hypno therapy. We made it from Arizona to Michigan with the smallest amount of anxiety I have ever seen.

 

[twixieshores]

I used to be afraid. Then I realized the only scary part was taking off. That lasts only a minute. Once you're up in the air, it's not bad at all. Since your wife is the one who wants to fly, grip her hand to death during that time. And maybe a pre flight drink wouldn't hurt.