How does one get over a fear of flying?

Question

Okay maybe it's a silly question, but I live in the UK at the moment and the thought of getting on a plane and traveling to Germany frightens me. I am aware of all the statsitics that air travel is the safest form of transport, but I am still frightened.

Answer 1

It's not a silly question. You can overcome your fear (I have) - take a few certain steps.

First, figure out exactly what your fear is: a fear of heights, of falling, of being enclosed in a smallish spot, or (most common) a fear of surrendering control of your life to the pilot and people who work in the plane.

First, start off easy. Go to the airport and have dinner. Don't go anywhere, just get comfortable going to the airport.

Next, book a short flight - perhaps just to France. Again, go to the airport to book the trip. Plan the trip with a friend, to give you comfort and plan on taking a boat or chunnel back.

Before the flight, get a perscription for valum from your doctor. A few days before the trip, try one to see how they work.....your goal will be to get through the flight without taking one, but knowing they are in your pocket will be very calming, because one of your fears is probably totally losing it on the aircraft, and having these along will give you comfort. (an alternative is a drink or two on the flight)

Next, prepare for the trip by relaxing - a set routine will make it easier. Pack early, so you don't have other stress (such as getting there on time).

Get to the airport, check in, and go and watch the planes take off and land - each one costs millions of dollars and is piloted by a person with much more intelligence and training than the cab driver who took you to the airport. In the United States, millions of people fly each year - yet we went 5 years without a flying accident.....it is safe...remind yourself of this. Pilots don't pay any more for life insurance than do other workers.....The insurance companies know what they're doing.

When you get on the plan, look at the stewardess... they take 2 or 3 flights a day sometimes...they enjoy their work because it's fun and safe...they are not daredevils or thrill seekers.

Before the plane takes off, think very light thoughts....feathers, children's smiles, anything that makes you feel light. As the plane goes down the runway, say (softly to yourself) "up" "up" "up".

In flight, play the 5 minute game. Check your watch - you are going to take things in 5 minute increments....try not to look at your watch for 5 minutes, then start over.

Talk to your friend during the flight.

Remember, a plane is like a boat on the water - it may bounce or jump, but it's coasting on the air. They make planes (called hurricane hunters) that fly into the center of hurricanes.....planes will not fall apart with a bit of jostling.

Try not to take the valum...or if you take it, try not to take it before the flight is half over....then next time you can try and hold out longer.

When the flight is over, go enjoy paris....the more you fly, the easier it gets, so book your next flight right away.

This will work...it won't be easy, but nothing in life of any value is ever easy.....If you overcome your fear you will open up the whole world to yourself and will have earned the right to consider yourself brave....remember, bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's the overcoming of fear.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I agree you can take the chunnel, but if you need to fly, try to fly the fastest route maybe to Hamburg instead of Frankfurt and then take the train, they run always on time. Before boarding the plane you can take a Gravol or any other sea sickness pills your chemist has, that will quiet your nerves, however as the flight will be really short, a 1/2 a pill should be sufficient, and if you don't want to take the pill, have a sherry or a glass of wine. Just don't get plastered, because then they can refuse your travel.

Answer 3

I am deathly afraid of flying...so I totally understand what you are saying! I wasn't scared before Sept 11, but now I get really nervous about flying. I take Dramameine and that seems to help because I just fall asleep. If I am sleeping, I am not scared! Music also helps me because I hate hearing the engines and flaps moving. The more I fly, the less scared I am, so hopefully one day I won't be scared at all! There is this website that helped me A LOT too. It is run by an actual 777 pilot and he answers questions about flying. He is really cool! The website is: http://www.askcaptainlim.com/fpFAQsx.htm . I highly recommend it! Good luck!!!!

Answer 4

Get on the plane and go, do you really want to have fear rule your life? Think of ALL the AMAZING places you can go if you fly! Talk to your Dr, maybe he or she will give you something to relax once you're on the plane, the biggest thing is you just have to relax, have a drink, enjoy some music, go with someone you trust whose flown before. It will be alright.

Answer 5

It's not crashing with the plane that would scare me. But all the airport security and anti-terrorism craziness that would threaten my freedom if I ever say a displaced word or act funny.

Take the boat, take the "tunnel under the mantle" to france and from there drive to Germany.

You don't need the plane.

Answer 6

I eat xanax and wash it down with an in-flight cocktail.

I hate to be negative but this is how I think about it.

I'd rather be dazed and somewhat unaware of whats happening right before I hit the ground and disintegrate, then awake and quite aware for the whole terrifying fall down.

But don't let fear stop you from traveling.

Fear is the way the devil keeps you from accomplishing your purpose in life! And you have one!

Answer 7

In the past the best way id to take sleeping pills...This way you will wake up when the flight is over.
Other friends say valum and drinks!!

Answer 8

Get on a roller coaster and get through your first dose of flying before you actually fly.

Answer 9

try riding a roller coaster blindfolded

Answer 10

its fun just enjoy it!! relax.... you dont need to panic unless you see the flight attendants panic