I am terribly afraid to fly....any suggestions?

Question

I've flown several times in my life but I am scared to death of it. I always think I'm going to die or blow up!! Well I guess I would die if I blew up, lol. My point is I am flying to NYC (to move) from Vegas and I don't know if I can do it. Any suggestions on meds *legal* I can take that will calm me down? I HAVE to move and I don't want to drive. Please Help :(

Answer 1

As a flight attendant for 10 years, I have seen a lot of people afraid of flying. Best advice I can give you, that I would give any of my passengers who would tell me of their fear. First, talk to your flight attendant on the flight. Let him/her know that you are scared. Try and get seated towards the front of the aircraft, that way you won't hear the noises of the engines and the landing gear and flaps on the wings. Keep breathing! Deep cleansing breathes helps relieve stress in the body. DO NOT DRINK! Don't get yourself drunk before getting on the airplane as a person's reaction to alcohol is MUCH different in a pressurized cabin. Not to mention if you are drunk, you won't get on your flight. Go to your doctor and see if they can prescribe a med such as Xanax or Ativan. If not you can try Dramamine, as it can tend to make people sleepy. The advice about taking the red eye flight..excellent suggestion and Las Vegas is known big time for the red eyes (called all nighters in the industry). The aircraft is quiet, nothing really going on, its LATE..and you will more than likely sleep. And last little bit of advice, please know that the pilots behind that cockpit door have at least 30 yrs of exp between the two of them. They know how to fly the plane, and I wouldn't ever put my child on a plane if I felt unsafe! Good Luck!

Answer 2

Don't fly alone if you can get someone to fly with you. Or better yet, take a direct flight from Vegas to NYC, if there is one. If so, do this for yourself...

Take a RED EYE FLIGHT!!!
Take a shower before going to the airport.
Go to the restroom immediately before boarding.
When you get on the plane, take NIGHTQUILL Gel Caps.
Or something that will put you to sleep for 4 hours.
You will sleep all the way through the flight.
Just get on, get a pillow and blanket. Say a prayer, take the gel caps and go to sleep. You will wake up in NYC.

I know it is easier said than done, but you know what...it can be done. And one more thing. Get a seat assignment in the first 8 rows if you can. You "feel" less during take off and landing.

Try it..

Good luck and don't fear! Flying is so much easier than driving or the train!

Answer 3

Yes, now picture a big snowfall, and picture yourself walking.
Now what seems easier 4 or 5 hours in a plane, or walking in the snow and rain and wind for about a week to get there.

Think of a plane as nothing more than an easier mode of transportation, like a car or a bus, just something to get you there faster than walking.

When you're on the plane, make a gratitude list - yes you write down at least 3 things you are grateful for this day, and yesterday and perhaps the day before this, and perhaps more than 3 things for each day...next thing you know it, you will be at your destination!
Your choice, now stop taking yourself so seriously, or you will think of nothing good in life...I want you to live, love, laugh and be happy!

Answer 4

I know sleeping on the plane makes the time go faster. Take a red eye. I hate to fly as well. So I try not to fly alone. That helps me. Having someone to talk to. I also, and if you aren't of legal age ignore this, have a couple drinks to relax me. Not too many.

Answer 5

You should talk to a qualified clinical psychologist about this, especially one who specializes in behavioural therapy. Behavioural therapy has proven to be very effective in ridding people of their phobias. It's unlikely you'll be done treatment by the time you move, but it's someting you might want to keep in mind for next time, and it's certainly better than having to chemically sedate yourself everytime you fly.

You might also want to talk to a counsellor about this before you move, if you have the time. A good counsellor can give you tips on coping with anxiety, which will be better to have than just sedatives alone. If you make an appointment with a GP, either he or she can write you a prescription for a sedative or tranquilizer or can refer you to a psychiatrist who can.

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

There are more automobile accidents in one day than there are airplane crashes in probably 5 years or more. I hate flying too, but i keep myself busy playing video games, watching the movie, or reading a book. I pretend I'm just on a big train or something and never look out the window.

Answer 7

I know that there are meds, but I don't know which ones. I always take a USA Today, bubble gum, a Pepsi, an airport sandwich, bags of Jolly Ranchers, M & M's, and Skittles on the airplane with me. I look forward to flying.

Answer 8

Try flying JetBlu. The prices are good and they have TV's on every seat so you don't even have to pay attention to the flying, and they provide headphones but they arent great so you might wanna bring your own and they have good food and all. Smaller plane also so theres a little more turbulance but its much easier to maneuver and easier to stay in the air.

Answer 9

**Listen to music

**Watch a movie, it's a long flight from Vegas to NYC, you can probably get through about 2 movies.

The point is to get your mind off of you "going to die"

Answer 10

No need to worry, and just relax!

Plane is the safest transportation according to the statistic.

May be you can get yourself tired (don't sleep the night before), when you get on the plane you will fall asleep on the plane right away...

By the way, if the plane blow up you won't have time to suffer (just kidding), right? so don't worry!