Really scared of flying... and im going tomorrow!?

Question

I have a business trip tomorrow that requires i take a pretty long plane ride. Guys... im scared to death! Ive flown plenty of times before.. and yes.. i know how safe it is... i know the statistics.. but i cant help but be terrified! I keep thinking "well.. a plane hasnt crashed in awhile... its about time one does" and i was dumb and looked at a sight about crashes ( i know i know.. i asked for it)

Take off and landing are the most scary to me... anyone wanna give me any advice on how to feel better.... or tell me anything to reassure me! thanks!

Answer 1

There was a time in my life when I experienced this irrational fear...knowing, as you do, the statistics, the necessity of keeping my job by taking the flight. I sympathize.

Here is what I did and do to help relax: I listen to the flight attendant's spiel on emergency exits and such...too many people ignore it. Best to review and be prepared, eh? Then, I put both feet flat on the floor, sit as comfortably as I can manage, close my eyes and meditate during takeoff. Yoga helps...breathing slowly and deeply through your nose...visualizing a peaceful setting...reciting a prayer, if you wish. I let all my stress and anxiety go away and allow the serenity of the darkness behind my eyelids to calm and refresh me. When the pilot turns off the seatbelt light, I bring out a very large and engrossing book to read, occupying myself until landing, when I repeat the yoga breathing and meditation.

It works. No drugs, no alcohol, no pain. Good luck.

Answer 2

Don't be scared, flying is still an extremely safe form of transport. Hundreds (probably thousands) of flights take place each day and planes get checked over frequently to make sure everything is working properly. In addition the crew are highly experienced in safety procedure, which is virtually never needed due to how safe planes are. Yes, accidents do happen, but compared to other accidents (on the road for example) they are virtually non-existent, they just attract huge publicity because they are so rare and more tend to die at once, the seating capacity of a plane being about 200 times greater than a car. Think how many flights there have been since 9/11- the last major air tragedy. Hundreds of thousands and more still. This plane was one of all those. Planes are much, much safer than they were 30 years ago and they are becoming safer all the time. Seriously, don't worry about it, and have an amazing holiday :) The chances of it being a bomb are slim, considering the tight security at airports and the unlikelihood of a Brazilian airport being targeted. it's possible, but it's far more likely that it was down to a series of electrical faults caused by severe turbulence, which led to depressurization of the cabin which meant there was no oxygen supply, or it led to an explosion. But this is extremely rare. RIP to all the victims of the Air France tragedy.

Answer 3

Intellectually, you know that you're safer on an airplane than in a car, but you're still an emotional wreck. About an hour before the flight, take an anti anxiety medication. Bring a good book to read to keep your mind off the process of flying.

Answer 4

I keep myself busy with entertainment. Especially on overseas flights on Northwest, I play the video games and watch movies. Its a lot of fun and keeps my mind on it. I am not a nervous flier, only when I hear a weird noise but keeping busy helps. Maybe keep yourself awake for a long time before that so that you can sleep on the flight?

Answer 5

At the begining of the plane ride, take lots of NyQuil (or any other sleeping aid) You'll sleep through the majority of the filght.

Answer 6

I posted somethng like that too lol i leave on tuesday my fight is only lke 2hrs & 40 min. but im still scared!!! Im trying to keep my mind off of it as much as possible but i can't! lol

but just to let you know ur not alone =)