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Fear of Flying?

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Tips on conquering a fear of flying?
15 years ago, June 9th 2008 No: 1 Msg: #37869  
Does anyone clam up when it comes to actually getting on the plane and going? Like many/all of you I have an insatiable wanderlust, and I HAVE to travel -- but I am petrified of flying. I have flown many times before and it has kind of gradually gotten worse. It gets to where after all the planning and purchasing I almost cancel my trips at the last minute. I\'m pretty sure I won\'t actually cancel but sometimes I really feel like I should. For instance, I am going to central america in a few days and am totally excited about the trip -- but not the flights!!! I\'m going to go through with it, because I have to, but it worries me that I might freak out.

anyone have any ideas on how to make this process easier?? anyone else not like to fly???

thanks guys! Reply to this

15 years ago, June 9th 2008 No: 2 Msg: #37902  
i have an aunt that has a crippling fear of flying. she has been doing hypnotherapy from a therapist or psychologist and says it is going well. hasn't flown yet; the test isn't till next year when she flies out for my brother's wedding.

so i'd recommend maybe trying that to settle your fear of flying. Reply to this

15 years ago, June 9th 2008 No: 3 Msg: #37905  
B Posts: 5
What about having something to drink before boarding the flight? I don't mean that you have to get on the flight intoxicated, but a glass wine can always help you to relax. Also, take an overnight flight, so that you can sleep on the plane and not think about the altitude. Reply to this

15 years ago, June 10th 2008 No: 4 Msg: #37971  
Hey Thirtyc,
I used to be scared of flying as well. Some things I did that REALLY helped was having a few beers before the flight. Also, I'd play relaxing music (ex. jazz, reggae, etc.) while in the air. Also, I figured out a trick that really helped me. Whenever there was turbulence, I'd look at other passengers (especially those that seemed like they've flown a lot) and the flight crew. If they didn't look worried, then I figured there was no reason for me to worry. Anyways, good luck and have a great trip! 😊 Reply to this

15 years ago, June 10th 2008 No: 5 Msg: #37974  
Hi,

If you live in the States, I know that airlines have special seminars specially for fear of flying. The all issue is not to be in control, and that's what they are tackling. You may not get one on very short notice thought. Look on the web.

Beside this, you could speak to your doctor, I'm sure they have some nice little pills that can help. I would avoid the drinks, you never know the effects, could make it worst...

And for flying, at the end of the day it's the safest way of travel ever...by far...just keep your seat belt on...

So from a more than frequent flyer...wish you the best but help do exist for your issue.
Peter....going nearly all over the world in the next few weeks.....
Reply to this

15 years ago, June 10th 2008 No: 6 Msg: #37994  
B Posts: 228
I also used to be quite afraid of flying and I got over it honestly just by doing it more. As someone stated, if you look at the other passengers and they seem ok, then I try not to worry. also, this may sound counter-intuitive but I like to sit by the window. This way, when they are noises I can look out and say "oh thats the wing flaps (untechnical term) opening up" or near the end of the flight "oh that's the landing gear". Plus if I see it's cloudy out, I expect some turbulance, and I tell myself that it should be a little turbulant, that's normal. My brother once equated flying through the clouds as driving on a road that's pavement wasn't all that great or that had a few potholes. It really never causes and trouble, but it might not be the most comfortable. I figure if i can justify the noises and the bumps, i feel like I'll be ok!

And, as mentioned above, there is definitely medication that can help. I know several people who have a crippling fear and they take something very mild, and say it just takes the edge off enough that they feel better. If you don't want to go that route, think about taking like a tylenol PM or sominex or somethign so that you sleep on the flight - esp if it's a longer, overnight flight.
Reply to this

15 years ago, June 11th 2008 No: 7 Msg: #38139  
thanks so much guys! Your recommendations have been helpful. Also, I have found this site to be tremendously helpful:

http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/

Will be leaving tomorrow morning. thanks guys! Reply to this

15 years ago, June 12th 2008 No: 8 Msg: #38336  
Dear Reader,

A very dry book and a dryer cocktail. Honest to god... any French novel by Genet will put even the strongest scholars and travelers to sleep in a pinch. Forget your iPod... it just makes one ancy.

Sincerely,

Ryan M. Rodriguez
Reply to this

15 years ago, June 13th 2008 No: 9 Msg: #38384  
Good day thirtyc!

I'm stephania and new from this forum. Don't let your fear stop your desire to fly or to go anywhere else. Yes its true from the start their will be a feeling of fear but when you try once then no more fear and I'm sure that you will love to fly anywhere.

Regards,
stephania
Reply to this

15 years ago, June 13th 2008 No: 10 Msg: #38502  
Hello everyone! I made it just fine. I am typing from San Cristobal de las Casas right now. Funny thing, I actually really enjoyed the flight from mex city to tuxtla! it was so beautiful!! the clouds and mountains and landscape. it was really a wonderful experience, which was a HUGE surprise. Maybe this fear of flying thing is over! either way, it cannot get in the way of traveling.

thanks! Reply to this

15 years ago, June 17th 2008 No: 11 Msg: #38958  
B Posts: 228
congrats! was just talking to someone else on twitter about this exact topic. And I think it definitely makes a huge difference when the scenery is nice enough to at least somewhat distract you from your fear! Enjoy the trip and hopefully your return trip is just as good an experience! Reply to this

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