Anyone conquered their fear of flying?

[tracyk]

I'm not terrified - just a bit anxious and don't enjoy it at all. Am due to go off on hols in June and would love to be at ease. Anyone successfully cured themselves?

[justJAMtarts]

I have tracyk - It got so bad my DH was worried about booking a holiday as he thought I would back out at airport.

Try some self hypnosis, it honestly does work. Imagine yourself calm and happy on a flight, boarding plane, getting off plane. Picture the whole experience in a positive and safe way. Deep breathing all the while and telling yourself 'I am confident and content to fly' over and over.

Sounds like a load of tosh but truly worked for me

[fizzbuzz]

I would love to hear as well. Last time I flew, I ended up stuffing in valium at the airport, and it made no difference at all.

Have not been on a plane since then as too damn scared, and am always much much worse on homeward bound flight, and it just ruins the holiday.

Have tried hypnosis, which worked for a bit(a very little bit), but now bloomin' terrified.

[crystalpony]

I also have a terrible fear of flying, never had it before having my daughter but since I had her and 9/11 etc I often have a perhaps irrational fear that I am putting her in a hugely dangerous plane (on a plane). I took valium for a flight to America - it had no effect for me either.

The only thing that makes me feel like I just need to get on with it is to realise that life is short basically. I am taking my mum away next weeek, she has breast cancer and at the moment it's looking as though she has secondary cancer too. The thought of not spending that time with her (we've never been on holiday together} and never getting the chance to again scares me more than the flying at this moment in time

Sorry for the downer post but that's the only thing that's got my head into gear to address the fear.

[crystalpony]

p.s. I would also advocate hypnosis - I will be having a session before flying next week.

[vinhotinto]

Hi tracyk, Sort of.

I was terrified to the point of suffering physical effects prior to flight, even lost sight in one eye once due to the stress and needed tranquilizers to get on plane.

However I have to fly once or twice a year and so had to do something and found self hypnosis quite good - calming prior to flight and then pretend I am in fast car on runway for example. I also have to sit in certain areas of plane if possible.

Telling the checkin staff or staff at the gate can help, although I have found that this depends who you fly with. BA were very good and came and checked on me, Easy jet less so but I think that was the staff on the day .

I still don't like flying but manage to get on with it or else I will miss out, don't think I will ever get to Australia though.

[justJAMtarts]

crystal - so sorry to hear about your mum, hope you have a fantastic holiday x

[jampot]

I was determined to conquer my fear about 15 years ago so asked my pilot friend to accompany me to Dublin for a weekend so he could talk me through all the weird noises/movements etc.

I freaked as people were still getting on the plane. The crew upgraded us to first class (!) and then gave me something to drink and invited me to the cockpit during the flight which i declined very forcefully. That said I cannot take alcohol very easily and was up there like a shot when they came to ask on behalf of the Captain. It was all in all a very good experience and they presented me with a bottle of champagne when we touched down to a round of applause and cheering from all the paddies on board

Havent flown since