I'm afraid of flying?

Question

I don't know what to do.. I'm like really afraid and I have to go to New York this summer with my friend and she already had the tickets bought. I can't get out of it. I don't know how to overcome my fear!

Answer 1

Ultimately it's your own conscious mind that's going to trump the fear. Many things can work:
** finding out everyhing you can about flying
** get a computer simulation about flying
** talk to a therapist or join a group (those are all over)
** use some medical/chemical help in the form of a mild sedative from your doctor.

You may laugh at me but I'll tell you something that helped me when I first started flying and makes me smile every time I do now (and I fly a LOT). It's Zimmi's Dad's rule of 13:

My dad says that most everything bad that happens on a flight occurrs during the first 13 seconds of taking off and the last 13 seconds of landing. And I checked, he's largely right.

So, when the plane take off start counting to 13. When you're done then you're fine! Same thing when the wheels hit the ground.

Sure you may be nervous for those 26 seconds but isn't 26 seconds better than hours of agony?

I have added my own prayers to this little flying ritual, which go something like "please watch over the people flying this flight and help us safely to our destination" and then "Thank you for watching over us. Please see everyone safe wherever they go"

Answer 2

Since there are so many people afraid to fly (me included) there are lots of theories. Here is what I've found works.

1. Go to a therapist. there are people who specialize in phobias.

2. Glass elevators. I hate them but going up and down on them 20 or thirty times makes me feel less fearful.

3. Alter your reality. I used to occasionally have a few drinks before a flight - and I'm not a big drinker. I wouldn't get "drunk" just a little buzzed. Draminine is supposed to have the same effect for some people and your doctor can prescribe something for you if neither of these are an option. Number three is the best option for the under aged.

Take stuff to read, spend your moments before take of meditating and don't get a window seat. Also drink lots of water on the flight as Dehydration is much more a threat and can cause vertigo. Which is really scary on a plane, believe me. Also take some comfort items - your favorite warm blanket, a nice neck pillow and some of your favorite treats like a candy bar or something. You deserve a reward for being so brave!

Answer 3

ok what u should do is go to a high place like a building or something and look down. tell yoursekf that it is ok and that nothere is nothing scary about and that being up high only gives you a better veiw of things. slowly you should overcome it.if not, when you are on the plane bring a cd or mp3 player to keep you occupied and dont get a window seat. if you bring a portable dvd player that would be better because the flight to new york is about 3 hours or so.by the time the movie is over, the plane should be landed. you wo'nt even realize you're on th eplane any more!
Good luck!

Answer 4

Th best way to overcome your fear of flying is to just do it, and see whether or not you're still scared or not. My friend ryan had the same problem, and when he got on a plane he said it wasn't that bad. so just give it a shot.

Answer 5

Go to a nearby flight school and take a sample flight. Have the instructor explain to you what the controls are, what they do, and how the aircraft flies.

You might be more comfortable if you know what is going on.

Welcome to New York! It's well worth getting over your fear of flying to visit the Big Apple.

Answer 6

Go to the Dr and get some mild tranquilizers. Take one 45 min before the flight.
You will probably find that flying is so easy that you will be embarrassed to have gone to the Dr.
After a few flights you will perfectly OK.

Answer 7

I had fear of flyin too but learned to overcome it. Try not sleeping a whole day before ya flight & sleep on the plane. Alcohol might help too.

Answer 8

just remember to not fly too close to the sun or your wings will melt. also don't fly too low and close to the ocean or your wings will pick up sea spray and become to heavy

Answer 9

think of it this way when your on the plane drink your max of liquer then have your friend order hers and keep drinking eventually you just wont care. also your more likly to get hit by a car or a train then to get in a plane crash.

Answer 10

you have more chances to die driving a car than flying, so get real..