Crippled with fear

[IrrationalWoman]

I know I am BU.

I'm getting on a plane for the first time in a few days (short haul) with DC7 and I'm freaking out a bit. Not sure why I'm so scared, maybe because I've never been on one before. I don't really think it's a good idea to ask for vallium from the GP as I have DC to consider, might consider a couple of wines though? I don't think it will be easy to read or listen to music with DC there talking non stop

I've been watching videos on YouTube people have recorded on planes, filming their take off/landings etc and my legs are like jelly just watching how high they are off the ground! I keep hearing about turbulence being the worst part, but I'm not even sure what that is exactly? On these videos the planes seem so still and silent whilst up in the air, that also concerns me. I'll be stuck in a huge, heavy metal tube in the sky... oh dear, please someone talk some sense into me?

[ManonCrempog]

The one thing to know is that it's to be expected and normal for the plane to jiggle a bit when taking off and landing- I didn't know this and was really scared. I'm still not great with flying- am claustrophobic- but it helps to know that the likelihood of anything happening is very remote.

[IrrationalWoman]

Only an hour Derek but I expect it'll be the longest hour of my life!

[RavioliOnToast]

Flying is amazing.

Boring, Derek is right, but amazing. Its awesome to spend a few episodes of Eastenders on a plane and BAM you're in a different country.

Just go for it, OP. It's a really good experience.

[gamerchick]

I don't like flying but force myself as it's worth it. The take off is the worse bit for me, better (and boring) in the air and huge relief when you go in to land.

Take some painkillers in case the pressure makes your teeth hurt and some ear plugs. A lot of people don't mind the pressure but I find it painful.

I'm getting sedatives the next time I go on a plane.

[BillSykesDog]

Can you ask your GP for tranquillisers. I used to have Valium the first few times I flew and I'm not scared at all now I'm used to it.

[Onlyicanclean10]

I am equally Petrified op and have flown lots.

Think of it this way. The pilot and crew are just as eager as you to get there safely

you will be absolutely fine

[BIWI]

If your DS is there talking non-stop, that will help distract you!

Please don't transmit your fear to him.

Flying is the safest form of travel. You do know that, don't you? I realise that's a rational fact, and your fear is irrational, but sometimes it can help to hang on to the rational!

Turbulence is where there are 'uneven' pockets of air, which means the plane bumps a bit. Usually the pilot will warn you in advance that some is coming, and will put the 'fasten seatbelt' sign on. But it's a good idea to keep your seatbelt fastened throughout the journey anyway, just in case - and when they do the safety briefing at the beginning, they'll probably tell you this anyway.

If it's only an hour-long flight, you won't have time for anything - there'll be the take-off, then they may throw a snack and a drink at you, and then you'll be landing.

You will be fine!

[Blueberryblueberry]

One thing I found really reassuring was an article in an in-flight magazine about what all the random noises are during a flight - eg wheels up, various but distinct engine noises, all the "pings" they make to get the attention of cabin crew.... Maybe look something like that up online as I find all that quite terrifying when I'm trying to work out what it is and if it's normal (it always is normal)! If you know what it all is you may feel much calmer

[BeALert]

Good luck with the journey to the airport - that bit's far more dangerous than the flight :-)

[cozietoesie]

That's true, Blueberry. I remember being in a flight once where I was spooked by the noise of the landing gear retracting -.quite normal but I must just have been in 'that seat' that caught the noise.

(I clutched the thigh of the man in the next seat in my panic but that's another thread I think. )

[IrrationalWoman]

I never even thought about the pressure is it harder to breathe when you reach a certain height? Sorry, that's probably a ridiculous question but I really have no experience of flying. Derek that's where we're going too. It's going to be an early evening flight too, if that makes it better/less turbulence? I really hope I can keep it together and not freak out in front of DC. Eek.

[gamerchick]

No you can breathe ok don't worry about that.

[BIWI]

No. You will be able to breathe and function perfectly normally.

[blueberryporridge]

I am terrified of flying. Lots of Bachs Rescue Remedy plus having DC with me so having to concentrate of them helped me a lot on my last flight.

[exWifebeginsat40]

you may get drunk quicker at altitude so watch those wines.

I used to be terrified of flying. I then had a job where I had to fly a lot - 20 times a year or so. I had one trip where I flew on little twin prop commuter planes, and also a Russian airline. I'm not scared of flying any more!

[Musicaltheatremum]

I fly a lot. Have been on 12 flights so far this year and have at least 8 to go. My brother is an engineer with a big airline and does their take off and performance calculations. Go into it with an open mind and you will be fine. It is a very very safe form of travel. Have one wine or a G&T and everything will be ok.

[Kariana]

Just remember you aren't just in a giant metal tube, you're in a giant metal tube with wings. It's a giant glider, it can't just drop out the sky or any of that nonsense. Honestly the worst thing will be your ears hurting due to the changes in pressure. Take sweets to suck on take off and landing, remember that the plane shaking is totally normal and stop watching the videos! (The people who post them are bound to be a bit on the more hysterical/strange side.) Also I don't recommend the wine if you get tipsy easily, this will be worse with height and dehydration will be worse. Take plenty of water for you and dc.

[londonrach]

I havent flown for years until about a month ago. I was so nervous and worried before the flight. Dh booked us seats at the front with extra space on easy jet. Seriously ive no idea why i worried its just like a bus. The staff were laughing and watching just get on with their day to day work made me completely relax. Sitting at the front was good to stop any fears! By the way its amazing view of the clouds!!!!! Enjoy your flight.

[wheresthetea]

I had never flown until, like you, I went on a short haul flight of one hour. I wasn't scared at all of the plane crashing etc., but rather of having no option to stop and get off if I panicked or felt travelsick (I have anxiety which also manifests itself as fear of vomiting for some reason!) On the day, what helped was non-stop listening to upbeat music on my ipod and chewing minty sweets. Really though, it wasn't as bad as I expected. The worst part I thought was the takeoff when it can briefly feel like you've left your stomach on the runway! (Funnily enough OH says this is his favourite part of flying, obviously a subjective experience ) Then the rest of the flight is just like floating along to your destination - you might get a bit of turbulence but you'll be fine. Try to relax and enjoy it.

[AdjustableWench]

I don't think you're BU exactly - it's a very commonplace fear.

I absolutely love flying, but my DM refused to fly for many years because she was afraid. Then somehow my DB persuaded her to go on holiday with him to the US, so it was an 8-hour flight. She used Bach Rescue Remedy and it worked well for her. Nothing like valium, so perfectly safe with a child in tow.

And I second the advice about finding out about all the different noises: the sound of the landing gear being retracted into the airplane once it takes off is a kind of low rumbling sound that could be a bit disconcerting if you don't know what it is, but it's totally normal and safe. Also, if you're sitting near the wings, it's worth knowing that there are control surfaces that you can see moving during flight, and so on.

Your DC will probably love every moment, so with any luck his/her enthusiasm will rub off on you a bit!

[Hidingtonothing]

I've only ever flown 4 times and am generally a very anxious person. I wasn't keen on taking off or landing the first time but wasn't bothered by the 2nd or 3rd and otherwise it was honestly fine, nowhere near as stressful as I expected. It's been over 10 years since the last time I flew but I doubt I would feel remotely nervous if I did it again and that's saying something considering I still get scared on a busy motorway I suspect it won't be as bad as you think OP and a short flight like the one you're taking is ideal for your first time

[EBearhug]

I was 25 the first time I flew, and I'very loved it since then. Flying is brilliant on a clear day with a window seat. You can look down on this tiny world. I like flying over cloud, too, seeing it from above. But when it's clear - I flew to Spain recently and had great views over the south coast and then the Channel Islands, and later, snow on the Sierra Nevada. And the only time I've seen the Aurora Borealis was somewhere over Newfoundland on a night flight to New York. It just gives you a different perspective on the world.

I really hope you discover you're worrying about nothing - there are some good ideas above, so I hope they help.