How can I get over my fear of flying?

Question

I have never flown before and it is getting in the way now that I am older and actually need to fly sometimes! I am absolutely terrified to get on a plane! Any help>?

Answer 1

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). Before you leave home: get information on where you will be staying on your trip - name, address, phone number - make copies and put this information in each piece of checked baggage and keep a copy on yourself in case you baggage gets lost. Write down your home address, etc. Do the same for the return trip. Also, do not pack anything that you will need (medications, contact lens stuff, etc) in your checked bags. Put this in your carry-on. Also make sure that you are not taking any forbidden items with you.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm


You are usually allowed to bring 2 suitcases that weigh no more than 50lbs each, plus one carry-on. All airline rules differ on this, so you need to verify this with your airline.

Security isn't that bad. Wear slip on or other easily removable shoes, pack light, and don't bring forbidden items. You may wait in line a while, but as long as you have nothing forbidden on or with you, you will speed through the process.

Be prepared to do a lot of waiting - in line at the ticket counter, in the terminal - you will wait. A lot. Unless you are flying first class, in which case you will have a special line at the ticket counter and will get to get on the plane first.

Pay attention to the announcements. They may change your departure gate, or need you if there is a question with your ticket. Also, if the plane is overbooked, they will announce a request for volunteers to be bumped - if you volunteer, you will be put on the next flight and you get a free round-trip ticket to use in the future.

They also use announcements to board the plane. You will be seated by row or "zone" - this will be printed on your boarding pass. When they call out your row or zone, you may board the plane. If you are seated in an exit row, make sure that you are able to do the things that would be required of you: being able to lift a certain weight (if you have to open they window exits, they are generally about 65 pounds), being able to hear and see commands from the flight crew, etc - this will all be on the safety card which is in in the pouch on the back of the seat in front of you.

Now you are ready for your flight!

When you taxi, the cabin crew will tell you all you need to know about what to do in case of emergencies and such. They will do a demonstration or show a video of where the exits are, how to fasten your seatbelt, when portable electronics can and can't be used, etc. The captain will come on and give a little speech about the flight and what to expect - something about how long it will take until you take-off, what to expect weather wise in your destination city, and how long the flight should take.

The best ways are to alleviate the pressure in your ears are to:

*chew gum
*drink something
*suck on a hard candy or mints
*yawn
*pinch the nostrils shut, take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose as if trying to blow your nose
*Another trick that used mainly on babies and small children, but can be used on anyone, is to gently but with some pressure, rub your neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.



When you are approaching landing, the plane slow down and the cabin crew will prepare you for landing. As you get close to your destination, the captain will come back on and tell you how much longer until you land, and what the weather is like.

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. (You have to have a WIFI card in your laptop and the airline will charge you to connect to the internet) or watch DVDs.
- Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friendships.


If I can be of any more help, please feel free to contact me anytime.