Fear of Flying

Michele16 · Post by **Michele16** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 4:21 pm

I used to be terrified of flying. I used to dread it for weeks in advance also. Then I took a new job where I had to fly. I was terrified on the first trip which was to Memphis (about 2 1/2 hours). I had to go back every few months. Gradually I got over it just by doing it again and again and now I love to travel. I used to have some drinks before I flew but I wouldn't recommend that. I think being distracted helps like someone mentioned about listening to Lucinda's CD's. I would try books on CD too for distraction. I had an uncle that told me that air is like water, you just can't see it. He said the air has waves in it just like water and that's what causes the turbulence. I used to be afraid of turbulence but now I'm okay. I think you just have to keep doing it over and over until the fear goes away.

NorCalMark · Post by **NorCalMark** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:16 pm

Hello Hock:
I have the same issues - thinking about the flight for weeks before I get on the plane. Never had a problem flying until I was around 30 and had my first panic problems. Very strange. Anyway, one thing you can do to try to "practice" before your flight - and this really helps me - is watching some flight videos on YouTube. People post lot's of videos they make from their seats looking out the windows (takeoffs/landings)... turn your speakers up so you hear the noise of the airplane engines. Just type in an airline name or an airport name ("take off from Honolulu," for example) and you'll have plenty of videos to choose from. Maybe this will help you start desensitizing yourself ahead of time. Regards, M.

Gamer4Life · Post by **Gamer4Life** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:16 am

I had an airline employee tell me this once and it has stuck in my mind and it helps me through my fear: "This plane makes this same flight every day...why should today be any different"?? Hopefully that helps some..Good luck

~Jessica~ · Post by **~Jessica~** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:42 am

I enjoyed reading everyone's stories and comments. Especially Mirko. You didn't share what the outcome for your mother was? If you don't mind me asking. I have an upcoming trip where I will be flying for a total of 5 hours. There will be a connecting flight so that total flight time in the air is probably closer to 3-3 1/2 hrs. I am dreading the flight because I panicked on a flight I took back in January of 2007 from Maui to NY. That was more like 13 hours of flying. I don't know how I ever made it through that. LOL. Since then I have not flown because the panic was so bad that I actually humiliated myself in front of my father and husband whom were on the flight sitting next to me.

I will be flying to NY for Christmas. I tried to avoid it as much as I could. I was looking into renting a car but my husband earnestly pleaded with me to please fly. We have a 14 month old daughter who will be flying with us. I am thinking this is a good thing because I will have her to get my mind off myself. LOL.

Ugh, the trip is less than two weeks away. My main problem isn't my lack of trust in the safety of the plane ride rather the small quarters ad being "locked" in for two hours without a choice of getting off the plane. I'm considering maybe going to the Dr.'s to see if there is some sort of medication I could take in order to fly more comfortable. Thoughts anyone? They would be GREATLY appreciated.

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:13 am

Hi Jessica-- I know someone that is married to a Commercial Pilot and she is fearful of flying, so when she has to fly she takes Xanax.

I haven't flown since I've had my first panic attack last spring. But I understand the confined feelings that you would be afraid of. I don't like to be squished inside small vehicles.

I don't panic over it, but do not like it as a rule. I prefer roominess if at all possible.