does anyone have any tips for my partner who is scared of flying and we are about to do an eleven hour flight?

Question

set of early january and not looking forward to his panic although I do understand his fear but need him to cope.

Answer 1

Um - relaxer meds of some kind that he could possibly get from a doc. He could also consider taking some sleeping meds to get him through a majority of the flight in sound slumber. ;)

Answer 2

I see everyone is suggesting xanax (valium). If you want to take a less drastic route try either Kalms herbal or a couple of night-time painrelievers. Benadryl will also work. Try not to drink too much because it will dehydrate him too much and he will feel really grotty when he sobers up. A high-altitude hangover is an absolute stonker!

Also, try to get a window seat as close to the wing as possible so that he can a) look out and calm his fear b) feel any bumps less. Remember that planes are built to withstand a great deal of turbulence so what may feel really scary is actually perfectly safe. It's just like a car going over a bumpy road; a bit rough and uncomfortable but nothing to be scared of.

In the end, the best way to cope with a transatlantic flight is to fly business or first class although I am aware that it is not always possible.

Answer 3

Start with what you carry on:
For an 11 hour flight bring slippers in the carry on. If your feet get uncomfortable the person gets that way. For oversea flights it is a must.
Bring your own heatsets and AS soon as possible jack in and listen to music - do not wait for the attendant to bring around headsets. 1/8 inch plugs. Bring lg comfortable ones that fit over the ears and block out noise. If you can bring a CD palyer or a laptop to play games. It has been a couple of years for me so I do not know the hassle at the gate for these electronics.
Most likely keep him away from the window.
Bring a carry on book to read, or mag. larger print will be easier on the eyes.
If he can rest - bring a neck pillow and eye shade covers for sleep. Sleep masks. Get these at walmart or kmart in the travel section.
I have sen all these in use and I have used the slipper and personel headsets myself, oversea flights a must. Luck I can sleep anywhere - it is just I am a big guy and dislike being crammed in to small seats.
best of luck

Answer 4

Doctors can give a few doses of valium. Just tell the doctor that you are scared and going on a long flight. You will get one for the trip there and the trip home. If that is not an option and the person is not an alcoholic then drink a few drinks. Fear is hard to deal with. That is all I can think of for now.

Answer 5

I don't think alcohol is a good solution. In order to get over his fear, he'd have to imbibe quite a bit, and the airline officials may not let him on the plane if he is itipsy. It's not a good idea to mix alcohol with sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or other medications, either. Besides, he wouldn't want to risk becoming ill from a mix of pills/alcohol...on top of the fear!

I think he should see a physician well in advance of the flight, so if needs anti-stress meds he can already be on it and his body accustomed to taking it before flying.

Answer 6

I *thought* I'd be scared, too on long flights. My advice, what works for me is, stay away from caffeine or other stimulants and stay busy. Bring a book, magazines, MP3 player, a deck of cards any and everything you can think of to stay occupied. If the fear is heights give him the aisle seat and leave the window closed.

Answer 7

Good luck!

~~~ Dramamine could be good for motion sickness etc--

maybe with fear you could just tell him to run or get some kind of major workout so when on the plane he falls asleep
or meds
"medications such as benzodiazepines or other relaxant/depressant drugs."
or alcohol on plane...
"Some individuals with fear of flying may self-medicate with other psychoactive substances—particularly alcohol, which is served in many commercial airline cabins—in order to deal with their anxiety"

Good luck! Try the resources I listed....

Answer 8

What are you flying on a carrier pigeon this is the pets catagory...Tell her to take some calms before she sets off and to tap her temple and press just inside her ear..Worked a treat for my sister when she flew to cuba made her go see a hypnotist and that's what he told her to do

Answer 9

Yes as a regular flyer with "Diazepam airways" I can recommend this as the ONLY way to fly.

It's a great way of coping with the inevitable "delays" too.

Answer 10

What about sleeping in the plane.
What about driving to where you are going? Train?

Ok if flying IS THE ONE AND ONLY option, see your doctor who might prescribe soemthing.

Maybe after this trip, he wont find it too bad after all. Stay positive