My boyfriend's family are planning a trip to Orlando and I've never flown.?

Question

I'm scared how do I get over my fear of flying?

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

Flying is very safe these days. It is over-cautiously (is that a word?) safe. How long is the flight? You could take a Valium or sleeping pill to knock you out.

Are you afraid because of the altitude the plane reaches? If so, then don't sit by the window. Sit by the aisle. Or, are you just scared because you haven't flown before?

It is actually quite enjoyable most of the time as long as the screaming kids are asleep. You may find that all the kids are a distraction to the actual flight itself.

Good luck!

Answer 3

just remember this....you are safer flying to orlando, than you were when u went to the grocery store this morning. Air travel is one of the safest means of travel. not only that, it is fun. The first time I had ever been in an airplane...I was the one flying, imagine the terror there. now i am a pilot, and i work for an airline (god i wish i was a pilot at the airline, but for now i just work there, but thats off the subject) I love to fly, the best part is taking off. Its thrilling. when you get to the airport let the person checking you in know that this is your first time on a plane, usually they will take care of you. you could also tell the flight attendent that you are a little nervous, because it is your first flight. I can almost guarantee she will take good care in making sure you are comfortable. trust me on this one, your vacation begins the second you buckle your seatbelt. good luck sweetie

Answer 4

Your boyfriend's family is planning a trip to Orlando. Does that mean that you and he are invited along? Flying is just like driving. You sit in a seat. You put on a seat belt. You let someone else do the driving/piloting. More people are killed in automobile crashes each year than in airplane crashes. Whats to worry about. It is more dangerous getting to and from the airport than it is being in the air.

Answer 5

Just relax. Take a few deep breaths, find something to do to take your mind off the flight. If I remember correctly from the last time I was on a plane, during takeoff you can't have any electronics on, but you can have a book to read or something to keep your mind off things,and once you're in the air, you can listen to music or something. I was scared to death my first time flying but it isn't too bad, really.

Answer 6

The only fear you should have is the hassle at the airport. There is a strange phenomena about heights. If the platform is supported such as looking out of a high building window there is a greater fear of heights than when looking out of a non supported airplane window. I have no idea why.

Answer 7

Tens of thousands of airplanes fly every year and the percentage that actually crash is very low. It is far more dangerous to take a trip in a car,

Answer 8

My first time in a airplane I was scared. Until thy made me wait 2 and half hours while thy waited on a bulb that didn't work on the cabinet door panel. When thy change it we took off. Now I know thy check everything the best as thy can.

Answer 9

Dont worry about it you will be fine the only way to get over it is to do it ive flown dozens of time and was apprehensive my first time as well

Answer 10

How do you know you're afraid if you've never flown?

Distract yourself during take off and landing. Maybe you're boyfriend can help you with that. It's called the Mile High Club.