Plane flights over water - how to mentally prepare?

Question

I'm going to Germany in June and I'm really excited ... except for the plane. How long is a flight to Stuttgart (from New York or Chicago), or just Germany in general?

How do I mentally prepare for flying over the Atlantic Ocean? I get freaked out easily, partially because I have a very good imagination; sometimes it's too good. Does anyone have any tips for flying over water, particularly the ocean?

To everyone - thank you for your helpful tips! I will definitely keep them in mind!

Answer 1

You are safer than in your car!Fact.

Answer 2

Well, the approximate flying time from JFK to Stuttgart, Germany is about 8-9 hours, and there is a connection usually in Britain or France. Now, as for the Atlantic ocean, don't be so afraid. The aircraft are so sophisticated that accidents are 1 in 1,000,000. Now, before you leave understand that, and this:
Most long haul flights over the atlantic are early in the morning or very late at night. With this said, you can sleep for most of the flight if you wish. Especially if you are leaving from Chicago, you have about 1 and a half hours over land to get used to the flgiht and also fall asleep. As well, almost every international over-seas flight have some sort of entertainment, i.e. movies, TV, music, etc. Also, bring along your own laptop, cd player, mp3, ipod, etc. These things can help you relax. As well, there are many sites that have "yoga on board" excercises, and if you are religious, pray regularly throughout the flight for guidance from God. With this said, I think you will have a great flight. But let me warn you though, you should DEFINATELY get up and MOVE during the flight. This is necessary because long-haul flights have you inactive for long periods of time. And in some people this can cause cramps and in older people blood clots in the lower legs and extremities. So, keep yourself moving. Strecth your legs, arms, and upper body throughout the flight. If you feel confortable doing so, get up and walk around the cabin a little. One more important note is to drink plenty of fluids. This helps you stay hydrated while in the pressurized cabin of the aircraft, which can get quite dry. Along with this bring lip balm and maybe a small amount of lotion(because of the new liquid restriction) ont eh flight with you. And one last thing, about a week or so before the flight, start going to sleep at the regulated time of your destination. This will help with the jetlag and greater increase your destination enjoyment. I hope this hep and that you have a safe and happy flight!

Answer 3

If you knew about planes and everything the pilot has to go through, you wouldn't freak out.

Planes have triple backup systems. The pilots really don't even need to do anything as the planes virtually take off, fly and land on their own.

The systems in use have been in use since the 60's, like ILS for landing. It's really amazing.

Planes can really take a beating and still fly, we're talking engine failure, holes, missing parts, failures, etc. Believe it or not, they can even glide and land. It's happened to a Canadian Airline 3 times, they ran out of fuel and had to glide down and land.

But, you'll probably still freak out, that's pretty hard to change. Never mind the pilots have a lot of experience, regular training, and triple backup systems and monitoring everything.

Maybe this will help. Check this out, look at all these flights in the last 24 hours and think to yourself. With all these flights EVERY day and no major crashes, it hsa to be safe.

http://flightaware.com/analysis/allflights_movie.rvt

Not to mention, the bolts that hold the plane together can cost $50 and look no different than a 10 cent one at the store! They are x-rayed to make sure there are no internal cracks or deficiencies.

The part that scares more people is when the flaps are put down. The plane seems to stop in midair, at least it feels like it. But, you're still doing about 280 MPH at that point. At touch down, it's roughly 160-180 MPH and slowing rapidly.

The small planes you see around all the time, like a Cessna. They can go from 60MPH down to 35MPH with the flaps down. Flaps REALLY allow the plane to slow down and provide lift. In fact when you feel the plane slow down, it does, but it's also increasing in altitude just because of the extra lift.

Answer 4

The flight from NYC to most German destinations non-stop is approximately 8 hours long.
As for flying over the ocean...what is your concern??
Crashing into the ocean?? That be worse than crashing over land?? Either way...the result is much the same. Listen, you're way more likely to get hit by a Greyhound bus while crossing the street, or more likely to have a fatal car accident than to crash in a plane...relax, have a cocktail or two, watch a movie, SLEEP, and enjoy the experience. There is no good to come out of worrying about what MIGHT happen! Why stress out your vacation more than it needs to be?!!

Answer 5

From another flight sufferer... (although I'm more afraid of being targeted by airport security than the actual flight)
The fact that your imagination is very good (I guess you're saying you can imagine the event in great detail) is good for two reasons:
1. In the VERY slight chance it happens, you will be prepared and chances are it won't be as bad. (I'm not being sarcastic, I'm trying to be realistic)
2. Since it's VERY unlikely that it will happen, you can create yourself many diversions to pass the 8 hours on the plane, which would be what I'd worry about the most.

What I do, when I worry myself sick (I mean it literally, my stomach churns) I try to go with it and tell myself, worrying won't do me any good and chances are I worry over nothing.
As a comfort, think that once you're at the airport, you'll feel a whole lot better about it.

Answer 6

I can completely relate. My parents moved here when i was 2 months old and every summer i travel to Hungary ( its near Germany in case you didnt know) Last summer i traveled alone, i was so nervous. I have always had a very bad fear of flying, i get panic attacks and cry every time. So there really isnt a way to mentally prepare. Hearing that its safer then driving has never helped me, and i doubt it can help you. I suggest sleeping pills, or getting a presripction to xanax or a pill for anxiety attacks.

Good luck & have a fun trip!!

Answer 7

First of all, congratulations. It is very cool that you are able to travel abroad.

I am not exactly sure where Stuttgart is but I flew from LAX to Hamburg and the flight took about 9 hours if my memory serves me correctly. Here is something to assuage your fears. It is MUCH safer to fly anywhere than to drive most places. Airplanes under go rigorous and thorough maintenance schedules and the chance of something happening is relatively minuscule.

Most airliners will give you free booze as well on the flights so sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

Answer 8

7 hours
chew gum
get some sleep
talk to someone
im afraid of open water lol
i have the same problem
get an interesting magazine
just focus on something else
just dont think about it too much

Answer 9

Look at it this way... nothing will probably happen and you will land in Germany OK and your worries will be over or the plane will crash in mid ocean and you will drown... and your worries will be over... either way... your worries will be over... so relax.

Answer 10

think of it this way, if every time somebody thought their plane would be the one to get in an accident they were right, there would crashed planes all over the place.