how do I stop my fear of flying before I get on the plane?

Question

I am going to fly for the first time in september and I have never been so scared. Besides going to my doctor and getting medicated, anyone have any suggestions on how to calm myself enough to get on the plane? Any ideas could help.... thank you

Answer 1

First off, try not to worry or be nervous. I know that seems hard not to, but the more you worry and the more nervous you are, the scarier it'll be. I believe that knowledge is key, and once you know the procedure it'll be a lot less scarier for you.


Make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to check in, go through security, and fine your concourse and gate. Rule of thumb is to allow yourself 2-5 hours before your flight. Call the airport ahead of schedule to see what their wait time is for that specific day.

Make sure you have all your documents with you (picture ID or passport, visa if needed, and ticket). Also make sure that you are not taking any forbidden items with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm


Now you are ready for your flight!

When you taxi, you barely feel the plane move at all. At this point the cabin crew will tell you all you need to know about what to do in case of emergencies and such.

When the plane prepares for liftoff, it starts to go really fast down the runway, and then within 45 seconds you are up in the air. Things may seem a little wobbly at first, but that's just because of moving through the different altitudes. Your ears will pop as you climb through the altitudes also. (chewing gum, drinking something, swallowing, or yawning will alleviate the pressure.)

Once you are in the air, things will feel smooth. You will hear the humm of the engines, but that's normal, nothing to worry about. I actually find it relaxing. If there is turbulence, you might feel the plane wobble a little bit, but remember, planes are designed to withstand this, so take a deep breath and try not to think about it.

When you are approaching landing, your ears will pop as you descend through the altitudes (remember: chewing gum, drinking something, swallowing, or yawning will alleviate the pressure). You will feel the plane slow down and the cabin crew will prepare you for landing. When the plane touches down it kind of feels like a short jolt, and then you hear them cut the engines off and the plane slows down pretty fast.

From there, the plane will taxi to either the gate or the designation where a bus will pick you up. You wait for the plane to decompressurize a few moments before they start letting the passengers out. That was your flight.


To entertain yourself:
- Bring along a few book, magazines, puzzles (such as crosswords or Sodoku if you like those).
- Bring along an iPod, MP3 player, or CD player to listen to music.
- A laptop is good to have as you can play games on it, connect to the internet, and get any work done that you may have.
- Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friendships

Answer 2

I have a paralyzing fear of flying and no amount of distraction has ever worked. I will cry, hyperventilate and hold a perfect strangers hand! The best way besides medication has been to fly at night. Something about seeing all the city lights in the little clusters was calming to me. So you could try to catch a early morning or late night red eye. I know you said you didn't want to medicate but it's not a bad idea to have it just in case you feel a freak out coming on. I used Xanex the last time I flew and it was amazing. I didn't feel the least bit drugged and actually relaxed enough to read and look out the window. I felt great and didn't have a care in the world. It was like it took all my worries away. Xanex and night time flights are the only way to fly!

Answer 3

First up - what are you actually scared of? Flying is one of the safest forms of transport. There are lots of sites on the web that can go in to all the things that worry people - and explain what they are and why not to be concerned.

As you take off and land you may feel a little pressure in your ears - hold your breath, hold your nose and blow out gently to 'pop' them. You will also hear a 'clonking' sound - that's just the wheels comign up & going down and is perfectly normal. As is tubulence - when the plane flies through a cloud, things could get a little bumpy...it does not mean that you're about to fall out of the sky.

I've travelled with someone who is terrified of take off and landing - she held my arm so tight I thought she was going to cut off my circulation. Once airborne, she was fine. Take deep breaths, let out slowly and keep repeating. Also let the air stewards know that you are scared - they will keep an eye on you.

Once airborne (approx 10mins after take off) you can use an ipod or personal stereo to play music and the movies (if any) will start soon after that. They should provide some distraction. I suggest having a book or magazine to read, at least initially, to take your mind off things.

You might like to talk to an aromatherapist or similar and get some oil that you could dab on your temple to help calm you. Better than taking medication.

Answer 4

Just listen to music, or read a book, it will be over before you know it. my husband and i went to hawaii and we had to take 3 diff planes and i was so scared I listened to music, and did word finds. Honestly for me the takeoff was the worst of it, after that its not bad. Just think of all the people that have been in planes before and how they have been ok. You will also be one of them. Good Luck and don't worry about it so much.

Answer 5

i would just start breathing slowly and not getting psyched out. remember its the safest form of travel, and for most things once you start to experience it you realize its not so bad. maybe try to just think ahead, like what you are going to do when you get at your destination to keep you mind busy until they call your terminal. buy a magazine to read or bring something to keep you occupied before and on the trip like a music player. maybe buy a travel book and look for things to do at your destination. bring a camera, then you can take pictures of clouds. or a note pad and pen to write letters or to do lists.
have a fun trip.=]
dont get yourself psyched out, its not that bad.

Answer 6

I am not sure but whatever you do don't let the engines clanking bother you.

Hey, they say it is safer than driving... unless of course your pilot is hammered then that might be a cause for concern.

Answer 7

easy find somewhere high and force yourself to look down