i'm about to go on my first plane trip. i'm scared to fly. any tips on easing my anxiety?

Question

should i ask my doc for a tranqualizer?

Answer 1

A few shots of vodka before and a screwdriver on the plane should help.

Answer 2

hahahahahaha no no you don't need a tranqualizer; what you can do is what i did when i first started to fly from New york City to Denver, Colorado in 1984.....1 i brought something to listen to on the plane,2 i brought alot of snacks, and 3 i had gum for the ear popping 4 i prayed before i got on, when i got on, when we took off, and when we landed. Mind you i was only 11 years old at the time an now i'm a seasoned vet! But try to relax your mind because it's a mind game you play with yourself wheres you sike yourself out into believing something will go wrong so believe everything will go right an it will.
And also stop listening to people with small minds an no space in their lives; meaning " STOP LETTING PEOPLE CONTROL YOUR DESTINY!!!! are you gonna stay land locked for the rest of your life and be 80,90,100 years old an regret never have went no place but everywhere a car or bus or train can take you? And in order to broaden your mind you must broaden your world.....ALWAYS, ALWAYS remember that.
An another thing I totally understand your fears because ever since 9 11 EVERY BODY has been scared to fly but you can't let ignorance stop you happiness; hell when i started it was the Reagan era an planes were getting hijacked all the time like every few months a plane was hijacked but my folks still allowed me to experiance another world then what i knew an i'm glad they did because my mind is so darn open it's scarey sometimes.
I hope this helps an good luck an GOD bless.
K.

Answer 3

Being informed is the best way to combat anxiety.

Be prepared, and you'll do fine, no medication should be necessary.

Take a book or two with you in your purse or carry-on bag. If you wish, you might also want to bring an MP3 player or something else with headphones. Think of this as sitting in a crowded movie theater with no movie for a few hours.

Once on the plane and in your seat, fasten your seatbelt. It really does give a feeling of "security". Listen to the Flight Attendant's safety advice, then prepare for takeoff.

The plane will roll backwards from the gate, then turn some and "drive" around the airport until it reaches the runway. During this time things feel very much like being on a bus or taxi. (In fact, the airlines call it "taxi-ing". The plane will stop for a bit, then you will hear the jet engines revving up.

When the engines are up to speed, the plane will begin to move foward down the runway, increasing speed very quickly. You will be pushed back into your seat. The front of the plane will go up, then you will feel the vibration of the wheels on the runway stop and you will be airborne. You may feel the "clunk" as the landing gear are stowed away inside their little compartment under the plane.

Bring some chewing gum with you. The air pressure changes as you ascend and descend in altitude, and the chewing gum helps to keep your ears from popping painfully.

There will be engine noise and air-flow noises that are specific to flying, but nothing to be concerned about.

I would suggest getting a window seat if you are a curious type. If not, the aisle seats allow for extra leg-stretching (to a degree - don't trip the flight attendant!). Read your book, listen to music, relax.

At some point on most domestic flights, the flight attendant will bring a cart around and ask if you want something to drink. Usually sodapop, juice and coffee/water/tea are at no charge, alcoholic beverages are available for a fee (I assume you will not be in 1st class, where the rules on this change a bit)

The pilot will occasionally make comments over the intercom, letting you know how far you have come and what the weather is like at your destination. If there is going to be any bumpiness (turbulance), he'll let you know that too.

About 1/2 an hour or so from your scheduled arrival time, you will notice that the plane will begin to descend very gently. Your ears may pop again, so keep the gum going!

Right before landing, the flight attendants will come through again to collect trash and ask you to un-recline your seat and put the tray table back away. The lights will go off, and you'll feel the plane dropping down a little faster and losing speed. All normal.

Close to the ground, you can see the nearby buildings and such wizzing by, then you'll feel a definate BUMP when the rear wheels make contact with the runway. Sometimes you get an extra BUMP or two, depending on the pilot and the weather. Then you feel the g-forces of the brakes as the aircraft slows down to "taxi" speed again.

Taxi to your gate, and go find your luggage - it's over and it was easy!

Answer 4

It's ok to be afraid, a lot of scary stuff has been happening on planes. Just watch what is happening around you, and if you see anything weird, don't take the flight. There are guards everywhere and the check EVERYTHING now, so your flight should be fine. Whatever you do, don't take a tranqualizer, the last thing you want is to be totally out of it while on a plane. Just get your doctor to give you some breathing techniques for calming and maybe take some tea or something.

Also, do not where a bra with underwire, or you will have to remove your shirt at the airport, in front of everyone, not fun. Remember what you can and cannot take. I hope you enjoy your first flight, good luck and safe flying.

Answer 5

I was scared the first time I flew too, but I just said a little prayer, got on the plane by the window and had a wonderful and safe trip. I took a book with me and read for awhile, but we had a wonderful pilot that talked about all the things we could see and pointed out things of interest. It was a great flight. I wouldn't take a tranqualizer if I could help it, you will miss out on some great scenery.

Answer 6

Count the number of seats there are between you and the nearest exit. You probably won't need that info but just in case you do ; you will be prepared should the cabin visibility for some reason is skewed.
Also the window seat is over-rated. Get the aisle if you can because you will have the extra leg and elbo space. You also will be able to get to the bathroom without having to climb over other passengers.
Take a carry on with everything you need. That will save you time at the terminal and be much easier than lugging several case with you.
Bring a book, gum, and anything you think that will occupy your time for waits.
Relax and keep in mind it is safer in an airplane than it is in a car.
No tranqualizers. You want to have a clear mind should there be an emergency don't you?

Answer 7

The thing that surprised me most the first time I flew was how much you feel the plane turning, climbing, descending. You feel the acceleration on your body. It's the part of the flight that makes it feel like there's stress on the plane. Something must be wrong. Be ready for that. Once you hit cruising altitude it's amazing. I live in Pittsburgh and coming home I was looking out the window trying to guess were I was looking at the major highways and the towns...suddenly the city appeared under me. Right over the downtown and over the two stadiums. It was great.

Landing is a little white knuckle time. Just relax. They do this hundreds and hundreds of times everyday.

I would dodge drinking unless you are a veteran drinker. It could make things worse. Perhaps a motion sickness pill before hand just in case.

Answer 8

Hi Kelleygai,
If you would feel more comfortable taking an anixety pill or a tranqualizer by all means you should take them. When you go to the doctor just explain this to him maybe he'll have other suggests for you, But remember not to drink any liquor as this may put you over the edge. You didn't say what age you were & I am just letting you know. I personally always take anixety pills when I fly cause otherwise I'd never get on the plane. Everyone has there opinion but you should do what is best for you. I suggest you get a window seat. Good luck & enjoy your flight!

Answer 9

First off, you should be thinking positively: The plane ride will be fun, exciting, and calming. Take deep breaths if you are nervous or become excited. Drink water (it makes me feel better) when you get on the plane; it'll calm you down and most likely get you thinking about something else. Think about what you'll be doing when you reach your destination. Look forward to it. If you're nervous about heights, don't sit by the window, or, if you have to, keep the window closed (if possible). Bring a book to read or CD player to listen to during the flight. Nothing can go wrong. Ever since after 9/11/01, there's been an air marshal with a loaded gun aboard all flights. His job is to protect the passengers and crew from hijackings and terrorism. But you won't know who the air marshal is, unless something comes up and he is required to take action. Therefore, you should feel safe.

No tranqualizers. Good luck.

Answer 10

I agree with a single alcoholic drink or maybe a mild sedative before boarding. Heads up, I was scared too my first time and I had a drink on the plane. It was enough to calm my anxiety and I thoroughly enjoyed the flight! I have flown 3 times since then and I dearly LOVE it!! Looking out the window is the best and I'm also afraid of heights, but somehow the beauty and wonder of the scenery is awesome, wouldn't miss it by taking a tranquilizer!! You've got to see it all, is very tranquil!!

Answer 11

As others have suggested, tell your doctor about your anxiety. Your doctor might be able to provide you with a prescription to help you relax BUT your doctor might NOT give you a tranquilizer. That said, I do not want to encourage a dependence on drugs everytime you face a anxiety provoking situation. I further suggest that you take over-the-counter medicine for motion sickness. It also tends to make you sleepy. Don't worry, once you have reached the pilot's desired altitude, you won't be missing much. Looking at the clouds..from above the clouds..gets pretty boring after awhile. I usually bring my mp3 player. Try listening to something that has relaxed you in the past when under stress. THAT last suggestion is probably the best thing you can do for yourself without relying on drugs to help you through stressful events. I'm sure you can do a Limewire search or buy a CD that addresses fear of flying with an audio "talk" or has relaxation exercises that you can do before you board as well as while you are airborne.
Try these links:
http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/Audio.shtml

http://www.abchomeopathy.com/go.php?symptoms=fear%20of%20flying&resuno=24&usethes=1

http://www.Limewire.com
(search Audio...relaxation/ flying/meditation keywords)

Also, if you are going to be awake during the flight, bring along something to keep your mind occupied like a hobby or a book.

Hope this helps and have a good trip!
:D